separated pin block

[Farrell]

I did one of these repairs and the piano was only a little flat. I dropped the pitch 200 cents. When I was done, the piano was nearly back up to pitch! It was a 3/4" wide separation.

Don't forget when choosing bolt locations - be sure to go through a back post. If you go through the filler blocks between posts, all you will do is separate them from the back post!

Check the archives, there is lots of stuff in there about what kind of epoxy to use - some folks use Titebond, etc.

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike and Jane Spalding" <mjbkspal@execpc.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, September 06, 2002 8:50 PM
Subject: Re: separated pin block


> Hi Roger,
> 
> I like your idea about using the proper length lag bolt.  But I'm not convinced that letting down the tension is a good idea.  I've only done this repair once - I dropped the tension about 1/4 turn on the pins (piano was already way flat).  when I went to raise pitch, many pins would only turn a small amount before they bound up tight.  It felt like they were bottoming out in their holes , like maybe the epoxy wicked in there and filled the holes behind the pins.  Do you ever have a problem with the epoxy wicking in around the tuning pins and making them extremely hard to turn?  
> 
> Mike Spalding RPT
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Baldwin Yamaha Piano Centre <baldwin@mta-01.sk.sympatico.ca>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Friday, September 06, 2002 5:00 PM
> Subject: Re: separated pin block
> 
> 
> > 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
> > >
> > >________________________________________________________________
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> > 
> > Roger
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
>