Query

[A440A]

James writes:
<< I

used to (it has been since 1986 when I replaced my last block) have a brad

point punch to mark the center of the hole through the plate marking the block
and then drilling the holes with the drill press.  The last thing I would do
before begin stringing would be to insert the bushings and driving them (the
pins)  through the into the block. >>

      Me too!  except that instead of a brad point punch,  I use a 3/8" drill
with a bit that is the same diameter as the plate holes, which leaves  a
shallow dimple in the block.  This allows very accurate drilling of the holes
in the drill press.  
     I have used Falconwood blocks in several of the recording studios here.
These are pianos that are often tuned 15-20 times a month, usually requiring
every pin to be turned.  After all of these years, I have had three pins that
had to be replaced.  They were all in the same spot, on one piano, so I really
believe somebody spilled something in there, like valve oil, or who knows
what....... 
     With drill bit, feed, and speed, and sorting the pins,   I have put these
blocks in at about 120 in/lbs.  and they have stayed there.  I certainly
didn't want to wrestle a "monster-block" four or five times a week, ( and I no
longer tune Baldwin pianos, there are too many easier-to-work-with blocks out
there for me to fight them) 
Regards,
Ed Foote