Multi-port steamer

[A440A@AOL.COM]

John asks:
<<What is a multiport steamer?

I have heard of the Sgt. Steamer, but consider it just too

expensive, for all the use I would give it.>>

    Years ago, I made a steamer for key bushing work.  I prefer steam because 
it sizes the balance holes, works on any glue, and doesn't stain the 
keybuttons.  It is also fast. 
   I used a 5 lb. fire-extinguisher,  the metal kind.  It is about 4" in dia. 
and about 14 inches long.  I removed the valve on top and plugged the hole 
with a large bolt cut to fit.  at this point, I have a closed cylinder.  I 
then drilled a 2" hole in the other end, the flat "bottom" of the 
extinguisher, and brazed the mounting plate for a hot-water heater's element. 
 This allowed me to install a heating element designed for a large hot water 
tank. 
   I drilled a row of holes (5 of them) in a line across the top, and 
installed some "zerk" grease fittings which I had drilled out to about 3/32". 
 These are the nozzles.  I also drilled a "fill" hole a little offside of the 
top, and plugged it with a rubber stopper.  The rig rests in a cradle, 
sideways, with the nozzles pointing up.  Filled about 2/3rds with water and 
using a 220 volt element on a 110 line,  it generates five low pressure 
columns of steam and water vapor.  (a rheostat connected to a 110 volt 
element was the original approach, but a borrower burned it out by forgetting 
to keep water in it.  He replaced the element with a 220 unit which happens 
to be just right for making steam!) 
    The cradle itself has rests on either side, and they are adjustable so 
that the keys can be suspended over the jets.  Fronts are done by using a box 
placed off to the side and hanging the front of the key over the rest so that 
the steam hits right in the mortise. 
   Some of the older hide glue jobs require very little steam, so I drop a 
nail in three of the jets and just work two keys at a time, alternating so 
that I pick a key up and put the next one down while I pull felt.  More 
stubborn glue requires longer heat, so I may have four keys hanging over the 
steam as I work through them.  The important thing is that the length of 
steaming be matched to your work speed to loosen the felt with the least 
amount of heat and water.  
   The fire-extinguisher was a give-away, the heater element cost $4.95 (in 
1983), the brazing cost another $10. Time involved was probably three hours.  
I have used it for hundreds of bushing jobs and it will probably outlast me. 
   I had wished for an insulated hose which I might attach and have steam 
available in more areas, but have not solved the cooling/condensation/water 
splatter problem.  Anybody got any ideas on that angle?  (wouldn't it be 
great to be able to remove a soundboard for repair and reinstallation with 
new crown?) . 
Regards, 
Ed Foote