[pianotech] Wurlitzer spinet ugh

[Tom Driscoll]

List,
 I lied. One more contribution on this topic .
 Coincidentally I tuned one of these little gems yesterday. . Lost motion was around 3/16" of key travel in the middle and less so on each end. This was an untouched action regulation wise. I removed the small round head screws and loosened the 4 machine screws. I flexed the rail down in the middle until a sampling of notes had no lost motion. The rail at the end brackets needed little to no change .
 I cranked down the machine screws and contrary to my last postings I reinstalled the small roundheads in the existing holes on each end and after creating a starter hole with a small awl I replaced the screws in the middle. A few capstans were too high and several too low requiring adjustment. Maybe 15 - 20 keys had to be removed to adjust. Total time around 10-15 minutes for the whole operation. 
 As to the friction concern I first turned up a capstan to eliminate lost motion before moving the rail and checked downweight ,
 then checked after moving the rail and the difference was inperceptible. I think the rate of speed that the weighted key fell to letoff might have been a little slower after moving the rail but it was hardly discernible.The same weight depressed the key. 
The capstan of course slides across the cushion as the key arcs upward creating friction .How much more after moving the rail? Not enough to matter obviously. 
 I know this is hardly the most important thread on list but for Marshall and his visual challenges this method will save time and will be easier to execute.

Now that's my last word --- and this time I mean it.
Tom Driscoll
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tom Driscoll 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Sunday, February 21, 2010 4:38 PM
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Wurlitzer spinet ugh


  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Wurlitzer spinet ugh


    Hi Marshall,
    The times I tried to lower the rail ( the quick way ) only resulted in further complications to friction and never resulted in even lost motion. Still ended up in removing each stick.
    It realy does not take that much longer. But I do charge accordingly.
    Joe Goss BSMusEd MMusEd RPT


    Joe,
      My post mentioned lowering the rail so the capstans will need less adjustment. It's a get you close thing.
    We will have to amiably disagree on the friction thing as that has not been my experience .
     Marshall  ,  by the way the tool that fits those skinny capstans is the offset   (or not offset I guess)   key pin regulator .It will be of help to you as it slides onto the shank of the capstan and is easy to feel.
     My last word on this topic --I promise.
    Tom D.
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