reducing hammer weight

[David Love]

Try it on one hammer.  I think you'll find the difference is not
significant.  Taper the hammer from the tail to toward the strike point
without narrowing the strikepoint width.  You'll be able to take weight off
more easily that way.  

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net 
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of William Monroe
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 4:44 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: reducing hammer weight

Hi List,

I'd like to know what you think of reducing hammer weight by drilling a 
small diameter hole (or two) in the molding.  Has anyone done this?  I know 
the Stanwood technique of doing just that to add weight in the form of lead 
to the hammer, but haven't heard of just drilling out to reduce weight.

I've a set of hammers that I'd like to reduce the weight on, but I'm pleased

with the shape, width, etc. of them.  What would you do??

Thanks,
William R. Monroe