hammer shaping

[pianolover@worldspy.net]

Hi All,

I got my first shot at hammer shaping in the shop, and I wanted to ask for opinions on a method of shaping several hammers at once. I was told a common name for this method is called "gang (or group) filing." After each hammer is individually shaped, either by hand or with a small barrel sanding machine, then a large square piece of medium or finer grit sandpaper is actually "pulled" up over a group of hammers, each way, always going toward the strike point. I can see this method working for the high treble, where the hammers are all straight, but in the middle and lower sections, where the hammers heads are at a sharp angle, is this method possible? I couldn't see how, without rounding the edges. I assume the object of doing several at one time is to get a uniform, smooth consistency, not necessarily to save a lot of time. But I just can't see how to "group file" the angled hammers, without rounding edges. I appreciate all the help I can get on this one!


Thanks,

Terry Peterson


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