The formula of vinegar is CH3COOH - not C2H4O2 and it does not penetrate wood the same way as pure H2O does. Since the pH of water is lowered with 5%vinegar (pH = 2-3), protein glues such as collagen glues used in the piano industry dissolve-break down more readily. However, when you use vinegar to dissolve / break the glue line, the leftover surface residues are more difficult to remove since the glue has been chemically modified with the use of the acid. Marc Lanthier www.pianolanco.com -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Tom Driscoll Sent: July-27-09 3:02 PM To: David Ilvedson; pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Backcheck and catcher felts Subject: Re: [pianotech] Backcheck and catcher felts > Definitely DON'T use water - it will swell the wood. > >>I use plain white vinegar for things - it also works well for player work. >>Duaine Hechler >> > Isn't vinegar mostly water? > > David Ilvedson, RPT David, Right you are and 95% no less. The composition of distilled white vinegar is usually 5% acetic acid which has a molecular formula of C2H4O2. The remainder of the solution is H2O. The acetic acid is aqueous, so the mixture is homogeneous. Tom Driscoll
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