>I am in the process of building a soundboard press along the lines which >Claire Davies built and discribed in the Jornal some time ago. I have been >completely unable to find a source for southern yellow pine as per his >suggestion in the Chicago area. Does anyone know of a source or an >alternative material. > >Thanks in advance > >Andrew Remillard >Northern Il University >ANR Piano Service > I'm just finishing mine (needed to upgrade the old methods) and I used salvaged maple flooring that I bought cheap a couple of years ago. It cost me in glue-up time what I saved in material costs, but they look to be pretty indestructible - not to mention HEAVY. At a surplus/salvage yard, I also found some wonderful new brass valves (1/4" female in - 1/4" male out, with t-handle) for $.92 each, and 1/4" tubing nipples for $.25 each. The angle iron, I bought at the same place for $11 for a 20' stick, which I cut myself to make five press clamps. Air fittings, I bought new. Heck, I had to have *something* shiny on the things. Give those salvage yards a chance if (when) you have trouble finding what you want new. You will spend a certain amount of time standing in front of a pile, or bin, of something, mentally re-designing the project to fit the available parts, but if you can keep the employees from helping you to a standstill, there are wonderful options out there just outside the usual channels. I've gotten so tired of lumber yard and industrial supply house people looking at me like I'm crazy when I ask about something, that I've gotten to where I check the salvage yards first. Hey, if I'm going to have to design the thing in the isle anyway, I prefer to do it where the selection is best and they will leave me alone. Good luck, and happy hunting. Ron N
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