Aeolian-Hammond Player Organ (reply)

[Larry Fisher]

>From: ERogers470@aol.com
>Subject: Aeolian-Hammond Player Organ

>I am in the process of restoring an Aeolian-Hammond Player Organ and have run
>into problems.  I have recovered the four pneumatics in the primary pump,
>retubed from tracker bar to valve actuators, redid the valve actuators.  The
>main problem is the primary pump.  I get out only 10 inch of mercury, while
>the manual  states it should be 50 inches.  Could someone give me an idea
>where my problem is?  To remove the pump is very extensive, so I would like
>advice before I undertake that project again!!!
>
>
>Eugene Rogers

Ok Eugene, recovering is the replacement of the rubber coated cloth.
Rebuilding is also replacing the flap valves, hinges (if needed), resealing
the wood (I use shellac) and making darn sure all the glue joints are
totally air tight.  Then, a vaccuum check is done with just the pump in the
"circuit".  This reading is compared to the vaccuum with all the valves in
the "circuit".  A really good job all around will yeild a similar reading in
both locations, and with ample vaccuum, ..... say about 30 - 40 inches of
water.  50 inches of mercury is enough to suck all the grass clippings off
your neighbor's yard plus any little heathens that happen to be in the
neighborhood, from your front porch, in the dead of winter, in Wyoming,
against the wind.  50 inches of water is enough to run the leakiest of
players.  A good player only requires 12 inches of water to produce good
repetition.  Anything stronger than that, on a good and tight player,
produces ample volume, usually too much.  Your player, as I recall, only
requires enough vaccuum to read the paper, and activate the switches via the
valves.  That shouldn't take 50 inches of mercury to do that.

The exhaust needs to escape freely or else you'll have back pressure
reducing your overall vaccuum readings.

The wood becomes quite porous with age and requires sealing.  I seal both
sides with a minimum of two coats of 3 lb cut shellac.  ( I think it's 3 lb,
common stuff, amber, Bullseye brand)

If your pump is run by a motor, is the motor still turning at the required
speed, and are the pulleys the proper diameter to achieve proper rpm's on
the pump?

It's been a while since I've seen one of these.  I may need some more
prompting to help you further.

Have you posted your queery on the MMD list??

Lar



                                    Larry Fisher RPT
   specialist in players, retrofits, and other complicated stuff
      phone 360-256-2999 or email larryf@pacifier.com
         http://www.pacifier.com/~larryf/ (revised 10/96)
           Beau Dahnker pianos work best under water