Pleyel action brackets

[Delwin D Fandrich]

I don't know about CA other than to repeat my general observation that we seem
to be addicted to the stuff and end up using it no matter how inappropriate it
may be.

I have saturated a few sets of wood action brackets in a thin (and very slow
setting) coating epoxy (I use System Three). Pour enough epoxy into a shallow
container (an aluminum foil cake pan of appropriate size works) to cover the
brackets. One at a time, dip the brackets into the epoxy and let it soak for a
couple of minutes. If the brackets are not already coming apart you can simply
hang them out to cure. If they are delaminating you'll want to have already
figured out a way to clamp them back together. When the epoxy has cured -- it
takes a while as this stuff cures very slowly -- you can sand the flat surfaces
smooth and take a sandpaper file to the edges. Make sure you get the areas where
the action rails fit nice and clean and square to the rails. Assuming you do a
workman-like job they will end up looking quite nice and will once again tough,
stable and quiet.

Del

PS. If you want to get really exotic (and are able to make the drawing) you can
take a CAD file to your local laser cutting facility and have them carved out of
most anything you like. I've done custom-designed steel brackets that work and
look better than anything you can buy ready made.

| -----Original Message-----
| From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org 
| [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David Doremus
| Sent: June 24, 2008 6:24 PM
| To: Pianotech List
| Subject: Re: Pleyel action brackets
| 
| No ones got these dimensions, or anything even close. A lot 
| of 19th C pianos had wooden brackets and I was considering 
| that option. I had not thought of reinforcing with glue, good 
| idea. I guess my instinct would be to soak in thin CA as it 
| would penetrate better than the epoxy, no?
| 
| --Dave
|   New Orleans
| 
| Jon Page wrote:
| > >Anyone have any ideas for repairing or replacing action brackets?
| >
| > If the supply houses do not have ones of the proper dimensions make 
| > them out of cabinet grade plywood, reinforced either with 
| CA or epoxy.
| > --
| >   
| >
| > Regards,
| >
| > Jon Page
|