bridge recapping tools

[Bob Hull]

Thanks for the info, Ron.

Now to try to make templates on top of oblonged bridge pin holes..no precision to be found there....  Or to decide to start from scratch laying out the unisons.

Bob Hull

----- Original Message ----
From: Ron Nossaman <rnossaman at cox.net>
To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 2:12:53 PM
Subject: Re: bridge recapping tools



> I must dive in to my first treble bridge recapping job.  I
> have only done a bass bridge thus far and it was only
> beveled, not notched.  Maybe the difficulty of this job
> can be taken down a few notches if I get the best tools and
> wonder what you would recommend.

Which tools are best is written in the blood stains of the user.


> I have looked at the Mazzaglia website and saw: Bridge pin
> tri-punches Massive chisels Bearing saw Bearing gauges 
> Bearing lines Notch tool - for cutting and cleaning the
> sides of the notches Bridge capping washers - is this for
> putting pressure on the joint while gluing on the new cap?

Below is a photo of my notching tools. Pin punches are easily 
made from scrap 1/4" Plexiglass, and easily re-made if you 
don't like the first test. Do, by the way, test on a mock up 
before committing on the actual bridge. Go for about a 10° 
offset angle.

I cut notch sides with the knife (with nicely curved edge) and 
a hammer (producing the dents on the knife's spine in the 
photo). This works as well for me as anything I've tried.

Some folks like a really heavy mortising chisel, some like the 
Japanese chisels. I like a long blade (paring chisel), and 
considerable overall length. Mine is 12-3/8" (135mm) long, 
with a 6-1/2" (165mm) blade, 7/8 (23mm) wide. Any of these 
will work. It's a matter of personal preference and control.


> Do you recommend PianoTek's bridge capping material or who
> else.

If you're planning on planing the new cap to finish thickness, 
stick with solid maple instead of laminated. The Pianotek 
stock should be fine.


> I have read Bob Hohf's article on Bridge Recapping - not
> artilcle more like a book.  Is there another good writing
> on this ? - need something concise I know I'm going to
> have a lot of questions on this and will also look over the
> archives.

The Journal reprints on CD has a bunch of stuff.

Ron N


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