Plugging capstan holes

[David Love]

David:

What blend of analine dyes to you find works best to match the color of old
keys?  

David Love
davidlovepianos@earthlink.net


> [Original Message]
> From: David C. Stanwood <stanwood@tiac.net>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: 5/22/2004 6:37:28 AM
> Subject: Re: Plugging capstan holes
>
> To Phil & all,
>
> Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth.
>
> I'm all for epoxy filling of capstan and key lead holes...  For Capstans
we
> use the 410 microlite filler but instead of West Epoxy we much prefer
Epoxy
> #301 from Epotek.  This is the lowest viscosity epoxy I've found (it's
used
> for gluing optics....)  We mix in the #410 so you can just pour into a
> syringe.  It seems to handle better with less chance for voids than the
> West epoxy and it doesn't smell as bad.  
>
> For situations when the new capstan hole is partly in the old hole, the
> epoxy fill has a similar density to spruce or pine so the drill won't tend
> to skew as it would if you use a hammer shank plug.
>
> BUT! If the capstan is mounted in a hardwood shoe then the epoxy fill
won't
> work to well... When you drill and drive, the hole and capstan will skew
> towards the softer epoxy and you will loose your positioning.  In this
case
> we fill the bottom of the hole with the epoxy then drill out the shoe
> portion and plug with a cross grain wood such as the shoe is made of,
> usually beech...  a 1/4" plug cutter is easily found for making the
plugs...
>
> For key lead holes when using the West or Epotek #301 with #410 filler,
the
> epoxy tends to bleed into the surface of the key next to the hole which is
> unsightly.  For key lead holes we use an epoxy putty which has a similar
> density as spruce... The are a number of these on the market.. The one we
> use is made by Abatron. You can add aniline dye to the mix to match the
> color to the key....  The Abatron putty is light and very tough.  It
> adheres very well and I'm sure the key is stronger for using it instead of
> wood plugs...
>
> Here's a picture:
>
> http://www.stanwoodpiano.com/woodepoxplug.jpg
>
> One may also use the Abatron for capstan holes.. You have to drill a small
> hole through the bottom of the key to allow for air to get out, then push
> the putty down into the hole.... leave high and sand off....
>
> Good Luck!
>
> David Stanwood
>
> WoodEpox 2 quart kit 
>
>
http://www.shopabatron.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=Abat
> ron&Category_Code=1100000
>
> Available from:
>
> Abatron
> 5501 - 95th Ave.
> Kenosha, WI 53144, U.S.A.
>
> Phone: (1-800) 445-1754 (within the USA only), or (1-262) 653-2000).
>
> http://www.abatron.com
>
> Epotek #301 available from:
>
> Epoxy Technology in Billirica, MA
> PHONE 800 227 2201
> FAX   978 663 9782 
> http://www.epotek.com
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