[pianotech] Equipment Purchase Help

[Ed Sutton]

Steve-

Before you get into rebuilding, hanging hammers and such, get really good at regulating. You can do fine work with a small ruler and an aluminum straight edge (extruded aluminum from the hardware store). A firm, flat workbench with a replaceable masonite top surface is also a good investment that you will need to build skills.
I've had difficult encounters with people demanding I teach them to hang hammers, people who have no understanding of how the hammer and action align to the piano and strings, or how they function.
As you get clear about these things, you will be able to make good decisions. The best tools by Spurlock or WNG won't help if you're not clear on what you're trying to accomplish. A certain amount of initial fumbling can help you understand why a certain tool is valuable.
The most important tool is your mind, and that's where you should invest the first and the most. Deciding to become an RPT is a good way to focus your learning.

(End of sermon.)

Ed Sutton
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Steven Hopp 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:09 AM
  Subject: [pianotech] Equipment Purchase Help


  Hello all,
   
  As my business grows and having past experience in another business I have learned that the proper equipment makes a huge difference in efficiency.  That said there is a huge amount of equipment necessary for piano repair and minor refurbishing.  I am wondering where to spend my money?  I want to be able to replace hammers and do quality regulation.  Certainly with time this desire will grow to more ambitious ventures.
   
  My question is about spurlock and jarris tools.  Which is the best device for hanging grand hammers and measuring string height, let off tools (spurlock clamp).  What about boring new hammers.  Is there a recommended jig?  If I have little experience in boring should I just order them done for me until I feel I can afford a test run?  I am NOT a manufacturer of things.  I want to buy something to make the job easier and faster but I can not build my own things.
   
  Any suggestions and help?
   
  thanks,
   
  Steven Hopp
  PianoWorks Studio
  432-770-7473


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Get more out of the Web. Learn 10 hidden secrets of Windows Live. Learn Now 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech_ptg.org/attachments/20090217/354b0e15/attachment-0001.html>