separated pin block

[Baldwin Yamaha Piano Centre]

Hi Leslie,
                  I have fixed dozens of these type of problems.  More 
often than not the lag bolts will only go in to the pin block assembly, and 
many of the bolts are actually pushing the back assembly away from the pin 
block.
Drop the tension off the strings.
Get some lag bolts that will about the length of the top thickness.  Drill 
a clearance hole through the block material, and the correct sized pilot 
hole through the back assembly.
When gluing and screwing two pieces of wood together, it is wise to have a 
clearance hole through the first piece, and the correct sized pilot hole in 
the second. This will prevent the screw thread from pushing one piece of 
lumber away from the other, which is what has happened so often before.
With the aid of about 6 good C clamps, dry fit the joint back 
together.   Drill holes. Insert long lag bolts.  remove clamps to check to 
see if the bolts hold.
Remove bolts. the split will open up.
Use west system epoxy, ( or equivalent) ( water thin type) work lots into 
crack.  Tighten clamps and bolts, making sure you have squeeze out.  Clean 
excess epoxy with acetone soaked rag.
This will give you an invisible repair.No protruding nuts at the rear of 
the piano to scar the customers wall.  The long lag bolts that Yamaha 
grands have in their packing cases are perfect for most jobs.
Wait at least 24hrs before putting the tension back on.
I think I would get rid of that heater box, and install a proper Damp 
Chaser with a control system.
Regards Roger

At 12:55 PM 9/6/02 -0500, you wrote:
>I have a customer with an Everett console, the pin block on which is
>separating from the back posts and frame.  Not much more than 3/16 of an
>inch at the bass end, none at the treble end. Does one simply remove the
>top row of plate screws, drill all the way through, and put stove bolts
>through, or does one also use part of the screws lower down?
>
>What diameter of bolts?
>
>Does one have to lower tension on strings before pulling them up?
>
>Does one put glue down in the crack?
>
>The piano seems awfully dry. A heater bar with a small brown box was
>installed, but I have a hunch the little brown box didn't turn the bar
>off, and it's been drying away for some years.
>thanks
>les bartlett
>
>________________________________________________________________
>GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
>Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
>Join Juno today!  For your FREE software, visit:
>http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.

Roger