From: "Paul Milesi, RPT" <paul at pmpiano.com> Subject: [pianotech] Glue Strength for Pedal Lyre Repair > Advice sought ASAP. One of my high-profile clients, an embassy here in > DC, > tried to move a 1917 Steinway B off a 2' stage without professional mover > or > counsel and broke the lyre off. :( Broke the top block in half the long > way, right along where the two rear screws go in. Clean break, but left > half the block and plate attached to the piano, and of course the lyre on > the floor. > > Piano is needed for concert Saturday 10 AM! A couple techs here advised > gluing original block with Titebond. Thought this might be adequate, as > glue joint will be stronger than wood. I confess I have limited > woodworking > experience, so still find it difficult to put my faith in a glue joint > being > that strong. :) When I expressed doubt, it was suggested that I might > possibly drill from rear of block to install two 1/2" or 3/4" dowels, > stopping short of front of block, for reinforcement. > > This morning I unclamped the lyre block after 24 hours and my glue repair > appears solid. Can I put the lyre on for Saturday's concert and trust it > not to fall apart? I don't have access to a drill press until early next > week. Might I try to drill 1/2" or 3/8" for dowel freehand with hand > drill? > Or should I leave well enough alone? > > By the way, I have thought about borrowing a lyre from a school piano and > seeing if it fits. Just a fallback position. Might I make it work > easily? > Not my first choice, but emergency situation with very limited time to > work > with making me think outside the box a bit. Schedule jammed every day > this > week with performance work, so somewhat stressed! Didn't need this kind > of > repair/worry. > > Thanks for any advice. > > Paul Milesi, RPT > Dude, Two words : Re- lax. With all that surface area that repair will be strong. If few dowels inserted will give you peace of mind , why not go ahead and free hand drilling is more than adequate. We tossed around the concept of lyre as a pivot when setting up a grand piano a few weeks ago and to be safe I would not use this repaired lyre as such and also forget the replacement lyre idea. If this was newer a Yamaha and you had the same model available it might work but on an older Steinway there are too many variables . Just one more piece of advice---Sit at the back of the auditorium and if you hear a big crack and the lyre falls onto the pianists shins you can slip out the back unnoticed. Tom Driscoll
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