Matthew - It's true, you could do it in the home, though, if it's significant hammer reshaping, I wouldn't. I agree with Mike about feeling more comfortable doing this work in my shop, however, as David IIvedsen suggests, with gas prices and travel time / distance figured in, that might be a significant luxury. For what you are doing, you don't need to take the keyboard, just the top action. Bring a stick with some way of securing the ends, to hold down the hammers. Tighten all action frame screws (usually 10) first, to make sure none are stripped. If so, bring repair materials when returning action. Leave screws with the key frame, so you don't risk misplacing them in transit. When transporting the entire action, I use a modified luggage cart. It's a compromise, since it isn't as secure as a hand truck, but it's more compact and lighter. The modification consists of a piece of 3/4" plywood, about 4" x 14", which mounts at the bass of the cart and upon which the keyframe rests. There is an added block which supports the bass end of the frame towards the front rail, discouraging the action from tipping, but, once the cart is lifted vertical (while still holding onto the action) I also use a spring clamp in the back to secure frame to cart. With regard to David Ilvedsen's turn & carry method, I know it wouldn't work for me. You would, of course, have to remember to tie down the hammers first, but then, it might work better if you are transporting TWO actions, just to maintain balance. Good luck David Skolnik Hastings on Hudson, NY At 05:00 PM 7/17/2008, you wrote: >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 >> > > >-- >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.5.0/1556 - >Release Date: 7/16/2008 4:56 PM
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