(was soundboard repair) Titebond and hammer twist

[Robin Blankenship]

Annie, 
There seem to be so many divergent opinions about adhesives, especially in really sensitive applications like hanging hammers, that I have to wonder if any one in this or other panels has ever done a controlled, side by side by side comparison of what happens over time (say, six months) to hammers hung on identical shanks using different glues and different techniques. 

Lately, I have acquirred a couple of sets of older hammers and thus have some material with which to work. Let me think about this a bit; but, I might be in a position to understand some "research", as it were. 

If I hang a set of hammers, I tend to blame myself for any discrepancies over time. If someone else does, I tend to blame myself for not noticing it before. 

Thanks for the stimulation!!

Robin Blankenship
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Annie Grieshop 
  To: Pianotech List 
  Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2007 12:54 PM
  Subject: RE: (was soundboard repair) Titebond and hammer twist


  At the KC Convention, in ___________'s class (I really don't remember right now), I heard the statement made that hammers glued with Titebond will eventually twist out of their original alignment due to moisture changes as the glue dries completely, if I recall correctly.  

  This is not to argue with Mr. M. but to ask about that statement:  did I understand it correctly, and have other had that experience?  Personally, I have noticed new hammers glued with Titebond seem to not be in the same alignment after several months, but I had chalked it up to my poor memory or poor technique.  But if it really is a consequence of the adhesive, then that's very interesting (and makes me feel better).

  Now that I've got a reliable glue pot, it's no longer an issue, but I'd still like to know about Titebond and twisting.  Thanks!

  Annie Grieshop

   -----Original Message-----
  From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org]On Behalf Of Michael Magness
  Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2007 1:52 AM
  To: Pianotech List
  Subject: Re: help me with soundboard repair? CA of course!



          I used a program from a previous function in the hall to pour out a puddle of Titebond then removed all of the hammers I'd marked and cleaned the old glue from the shank hole. I then did the same with the shanks then using my now tacky Titebond re-glued them. Several of the holes were much larger than the shanks so the tacky glue helped to fill the gap nicely. The gaps in over half were too large for CA, even the thick CA to have filled, I fear.  

          I have talked with others who seem shocked that I don't use it(CA) more but it isn't reversible and it sets too fast in many cases, no working time. I don't get things in perfect alignment everytime, first time! Apparantly there are those who are perfect out there or they are willing to settle for good enough in the interest of saving a few minutes, I know not which. I just know when I reach for my glue bottle it's the one that says Titebond 90% of the time. 
         



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