[pianotech] Polyester Finishing

[Pianoman]

I have been trying to get an answer from the website but no one responds.
James
James Grebe
Since 1962
Piano Tuning & Repair
Creator of Handsome Hardwood Products(
314) 608-4137   1526 Raspberry Lane   Arnold, MO 63010
Researcher of St. Louis Theatre History
BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE!
www.grebepiano.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Al Guecia/AlliedPianoCraft" <AlliedPianoCraft at hotmail.com>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 7:13 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Polyester Finishing


Just use bar compounds and forget the new buffer and possible fire problems. 
Besides, they work better. Here's a link, 
http://www.alliedintlinc.com/compoundspolish.html

Al


  From: William Monroe
  Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 8:21 PM
  To: pianotech at ptg.org
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Polyester Finishing


  Joe,

  Thanks for the warning.  Indeed, I've been using an electric buffer 
(milwaukee - good quality so it can't create a fire, right?  <G>)  I'd hate 
to look like Wile E.  I'm such a looker as it is.  <G><G>

  Marc suggests there isn't fire danger, anything to add to that?  I'm all 
for not taking chances, but also prefer to operate with clear knowledge 
rather than suspicion (if I have it - which at this point I don't).

  I do have a large enough compressor, but would rather not spring for a new 
buffer - not to mention the ever popular, "WHAT DID YOU SAY, MY COMPRESSOR 
IS RUNNING" syndrome.

  Awaiting more information.

  William R. Monroe



    MINERAL SPIRITS ARE NOT FLAMMABLE. They are combustible - flash point is 
greater than 100 °

     Marc




    HI William,



    I hope you are using an air powered buffer if you are using mineral 
spirits as a lubricant;  the fumes created by mineral spirits are highly 
flammable, and an explosion or fire can be set off by the sparks in an 
electric motor.  While you are buffing, the buffer sits right in the zone 
with the highest concentration of fumes, emitting tiny sparks dozens or 
hundreds of times a second.  That's one of the main reasons I went ahead and 
sprung for a 60 gallon compressor, even though my shop is quite small, also.



    I'm not trying to criticize, just point out the standard advice given in 
the woodworking field.  You are obviously quite committed to quality piano 
work; we can't afford to see you end up looking like Wile E. Coyote after 
receiving one of the Road Runner's TNT "returns" (probably yet again from 
the Acme Corporation).  I know that you can "get away" with using mineral 
spirits as a lubricant with electric tools for some undetermined period of 
time, but why take the chance?



    Joe DeFazio

    Pittsburgh





      In answer to my own question, if anyone is using these pastes, MINERAL 
SPIRITS is the wetting agent of choice.  Add a little to the tub if it 
begins to dry out.  It also works well for keeping the work surface moist 
while buffing.  I kept a squeeze bottle of spirits right there, squirting a 
little on occasionally.  the slop is messy, but more easily contained for me 
than dust.  For the small shop (read: action balancing and finish repairs in 
the same room) it works better for me than dealing with all that dust.  I 
curse enough when I buff keytops/capstans/etc. with my buffing wheels.

      William R. Monroe