Transporting a Grand Action

[Mike Spalding]

Matthew,

Don't apologize for wanting to do the action work in the privacy of your 
shop.  Even as you gain experience, I think you'll find that action jobs 
over a certain size/complexity make more sense to take home.  I find it 
worth the trip just for the flexibility of working when I want to, the 
way I want to, rather than having to power through it all while trying 
not to damage/soil the piano owner's home.  Some customers appreciate 
not having you in their home for an extended time, too.

I have a hand truck which I use to carry grand actions.  First couple of 
times I used it as is, then devised a couple of detachable brackets to 
keep the action from sliding/tipping sideways.  Saves my back, impresses 
customers, avoids setting the action down in the Wisconsin snow while I 
open the car door.  Can't find any photos right now, sorry. 

Mike

Matthew Todd wrote:
> I knew someone was going to say that, BUT, this will be my first 
> *_/paid/_* job of the type, so I will feel 100% more comfortable doing 
> it at my shop, rather than in the customers home.  I will do the work 
> in the home after this time on out.
>  
> Anyone else have any ideas?
>  
> Matthew
>
> */David Ilvedson <ilvey at sbcglobal.net>/* wrote:
>
>     I pull the action out and CAREFULLY swing it around as if you were
>     going to use the keybed as a work bench.   Then just put you hand
>     around the stack...using it like a handle with the bottom of the
>     keyframe against your leg as you walk.   Keep in mind, the work
>     you are talking about could be done right at the piano saving 2
>     car trips/travel time!
>      
>     David Ilvedson, RPT
>     Pacifica, CA 94044
>     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>     Original message
>     From: "Matthew Todd"  
>     To: pianotech at ptg.org
>     Received: 7/17/2008 12:40:38 PM
>     Subject: Transporting a Grand Action
>
>     Hello all,
>      
>     I will be transporting a grand action to my shop for hammer
>     resurfacing and repinning.  What is the normal procedure for
>     carrying the action from the piano in the home, out the door to
>     the car?  Do I just carry it as is, or is there a special and more
>     professional way to handle this.  I'm not anticipating rain, but I
>     guess I should be prepared for that as well.
>      
>     Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>      
>      
>     Thanks,
>     Matthew
>
>