This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment I forgot to say that on regular olde grand dampers, I have "system", if = you will, that consists of a strip of "masonite" w/holes drilled for the = wires. This strip is about 3 1/2" wide and 72" long. On either end of = the strip are slots that will accomodate, (freely), 1/4x20 bolts. Out of = old piano case parts, (I think they are old cheek blocks. But, don't = quote me on that. It's been many years since I built this = "thingamajig"!<G>) On top of the "blocks" is another piece of wood, at = right angles, that is a few inches beyond the vertical block(s). This = horizontal has a carriage bolt imbedded in it, w/the threads protruding = upward. The "strip" slot goes over the bolt and is adjustable with wing = nuts, to accomodate the varying widths of grands. The "blocks were sawn, = so that there is an angle left out and a "ledge" that sits on the rim of = the piano. Another, (longer), 1/4x20 bolt w/wing nut is anchored in the = outside piece and travels through, (freely), the inner piece, which is = hinged with olde piano hinges. This whole thingamajig clamps on to the = sides of the piano. This puts the "strip" above the strings, etc. about = 6"-8". Once in place, I have a way to keep the heads in order. Once all = the dampers have be removed from the piano and placed in the = Thingamajig, I remove it from the piano and move it to a work bench. = There I have two short 2x4's that I clamp to the Thingamajig, which are = then clamped to the work bench top. I bend the "strip" in an upward = "crown" to keep the wires off of the bench top. The first thing I do to these dampers, is stamp the number on the side, = of each one, w/machinists number stamps. That way, if, in the frenzy of = taking off the felt, sanding, finishing, etc., the order is out of = whack, I'm able to put them back in the proper order. The next thing is removing the felt. I have two water color dual cups = that are intended to clip on an artist's pallet board. These will clip = onto the 1/4" thin Masonite and can be slid along either edge, as I = progress in the soaking off of the felt. I use Wallpaper remover. (It = works faster if it is heated.<G>) Two heads at a time will fit nicely = into the cups. While each pair is soaking, I attend to other things in = the shop. About every 20 minutes, I remove the felt, squeeze the excess = Wall Paper Remover back into the cups & use the olde damper felt to = "scrub" the heads nice and clean. Then throw away the olde felt and = continue on with the system. Occasionally, some minor scraping will be = needed to pry off some really tenacious glue, but for the most part this = is a low effort thing.=20 Once all the felt is removed, I let the heads dry for a day or so. (the = wood does get really saturated in this process) Oh, one thing that I should stress: Take all the measurements of the = original felt; select the appropriate replacement felt making note of = any deviations, from the original damper configuration, you may wish to = do. Do this BEFORE you start the removal process! DAMHIK! Once the dampers are "like new", and you've done all of the other Back = Action renovating, the whole Thingamajig is put back on the piano, ready = for arduous task of installing/regulating, etc. Because there is quite a bit of time between removing the dampers and = putting them back in, I like to "seal" the renovated dampers, on the = Thingamajig, with seran wrap/tape. This keeps them pristine until = needed. I hope this will give a few of you some ideas in how to deal with all of = those danged dampers!<G> Best Regards, Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain, Tool Police Squares R I ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/57/20/be/f0/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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