[pianotech] Cleaning hammers and other action parts?

[Dean May]

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of John Ross
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009 4:43 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Cleaning hammers and other action parts?

Glass beads in a sand blaster at reduced pressure, does a reasonable job.

I haven't done it too much, and never got around to making the cabinet.

There was an article in the Journal years ago with plans and instructions by
Bill Spurlock.

John Ross

 

 

 

 

I have a post from the archives below on using a sand blaster for keys, but
I use it for actions as well. No need for a fancy cabinet, just do it
outside and don't worry about recovering the sand. It certainly won't hurt
the environment and you can do a lot of actions with 100 lbs of sand. 

Dean

Dean May             cell 812.239.3359 

PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 

Terre Haute IN  47802

  _____  

From: Dean May [mailto:deanmay at pianorebuilders.com] 
Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2005 8:28 AM
To: 'Pianotech'
Subject: RE: cleaning keys

 

I use a siphon feed sand blaster. You can pick one up for about $20 at farm
supply stores or Harbor Freight type tool sellers. 

 

For abrasive, I use 150 Garnet mesh, a very fine garnet sand purchased from
Abrasive Products, (317) 485-7701, in Fortville, Indiana. It ships in a pail
of about 100 lbs and costs about 50 dollars. It will last quite awhile.
Judicious experimentation will allow you to use it to clean most action
parts making them look like new. It will even clean hammer felt making them
look better. It will also chew right through any strings used to anchor
springs in a heartbeat and blow up damper felt.

 

Be sure to take the keys off the key frame so you don't pit the key pins
with abrasive. Best to avoid the bushings unless you are planning on
rebushing. 

 

Experiment on old upright actions in your graveyard. You'll quickly get the
hang of it.  Use compressed air to blow the sand out when you are done. I've
used this procedure for 15 years now with great success. 

 

Thump (Gordon Stelter) has another cleaning method that is intriguing. It
involves soaking things in some concoction. I haven't been able to overcome
my built in resistance to soaking wood parts in fluid to try it. But the
results are beautiful. It should be in the archives within the last few
months. 

 

Blessings,

 

Dean

Dean May             cell 812.239.3359

PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272

Terre Haute IN  47802

 

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