Cracked Plate!

[Greg Casper]

I have looked at the website for Lock-n-stitch. Will this work across an
actual BREAK in the plate, because that's what I've got. It's not just a
crack, but actual total separation of the two pieces. Probably 1/4 inch
between the two pieces. Can't tell from the website, but is Lock-N-Stitch
still a viable option in this case?

Question 2... if this plate is completely useless, can a replacement plate
be used and where might I find such an item?

Thanks

Greg Casper
San Jose, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf
Of Robert Goodale
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2002 10:02 AM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Re: Cracked Plate!


I would suggest the "lock-N-Stitch" cast iron repair kit.  It is cheep
and effective and in most cases can be done without removing the plate
from the piano.  This topic has been brought up several times so I might
suggest you check out the archives.  I have done it and can tell you it
DOES work.  This system was also featured in a class at  the Reno
convention by the inventor.  Their web page is here:

http://www.locknstitch.com/


Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV

Greg Casper wrote:

>Greetings again list:
>
>Since my post of last week regarding the strange behaviour of a Pease baby
>grand, and heeding the advice of the few who responded, I have determined
>that the plate is indeed cracked. That's what was causing the chaos in
>tuning and playability. Now the question is... is it worth trying to repair
>the plate on this inexpensive piano, or should I just junk it? The case is
>beautiful and it would seem a shame to just toss it, but I'm not in a
>position to spend beau coup dollars fixing it either. The crack is at the
>end of the last bass strut, the one that's overstrung. The plate is crack
>through completely, farther back than the hitch pins for the tenor strings
>(on the understrung portion). I hope this is making some sense. Without
>pictures or being able to draw this, I feel as though I may not be
>explaining it very well.
>
>In any case, suggestions or ideas GREATLY appreciated. If I can't fix the
>plate, I'm probably donating the thing to Carl Meyer and his capo bar
>hardening experiment.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Greg Casper
>San Jose, CA
>