Pinblock too low

[Mike and Jane Spalding]

Newton,

Thanks for the good ideas, and the cautions.

Mike

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Newton Hunt <nhunt@optonline.net>
To: Mike and Jane Spalding <mjbkspal@execpc.com>; Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2002 8:02 AM
Subject: Re: Pinblock too low


> I think I would get some help and put the piano on saw horses,
> up-side-down.  I get nauseous just thinking of working in it's current,
> position.  
> 
> I would use my power planer to remove as much material as needed,
> probing carefully for tuning pin ends and use a very short punch and
> heavy hammer to drive the pins upward.  My planer has a bag to hold dust
> but I would think about covering the underside of the strings and have
> some compressed air ready to finish the job.  (When the customer is not
> there of course)
> 
> I would like to check the plate height, bearing, crown and try to
> determine why the block is so low.  Did the "other person" leave out
> some shims or was the shelves cut down?  
> 
> If the plate has been lowered it may be best to back out of a job like
> this. :(
> 
> Look this project over carefully before you commit to doing the job and
> double the time you think it will take to cut the block down.  You can
> always give some back but it is hard to ask for more.
> 
> Newton
> 
>