[pianotech] Bridal Straps

[Isaac Sadigursky]

Hi,Bill!
I had tried to find you in PTG directory to call you and explain how  
to make tapered drills..
Brad Point Hammer shank Drill 7/32"" can be purchased from our  
suppliers..
If you have a Grinder in your shop:
a]practice on another smaller drill to reduce it's diameter starting  
about  3/4" above the drill tip.Grind  it to a taper and don't forget  
to COOL the drill while dong it.
After you get a feel of it,then taper that Brad Point drill,but don't  
do anything to the brad point,protect it.Brad point will help you to  
get a good start.
Pre-tapered drill will help you to have a better control and prevent  
you from damaging the catcher.Again,practice on a 'dummy" catcher..
For more serious repairs I would recommend to attend Jim Bisby's class- 
demonstration on how to install a set of Bridle straps the old Fashion  
Way,without the corks..
Jim has a nice and efficient system to do it and it WORKS.
If you have more questions-see me in Vegas,I will cover that topic in  
one of my classes..
Tapered drills work well in removing old felt from Grand Damper Guide  
Rails,too
Ron also gave you a nice suggestion do drill with the Rasp Drill in  
reverse...I'm going to experiment with it next week..Thanx,Ron!
Good luck..
Isaac..
On May 22, 2010, at 9:17 AM, Bill Costanzo wrote:

> Thanks for all the responses, even the attempts at bridal humor.
>
> I think I’ll try careful drilling first, and if that fails I may be  
> forced to use clip-ons.
>
> Isaac, would you be kind enough to explain how to make a tapered  
> drill bit?
>
> Thank you
> Bill Costanzo
>
>
>
> From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org]  
> On Behalf Of Bill Costanzo
> Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 12:06 PM
> To: Pianotech
> Subject: [pianotech] Bridal Straps
>
> I have a question about a Heinzman upright I am reconditioning.  
> (mouse infested, but not too bad) It also has had some previous  
> reconditioning including restringing and new hammers (on old shanks  
> and butts, unfortunately). The straps had also been replaced but  
> need to be replaced again. The problem is that the corks have been  
> glued in with industrial strength glue and won’t come out. I can cut  
> the strap flush with the cork and use clip-ons, or I can cut the  
> bottoms off the catchers and use clip-ons. I’m interested in knowing  
> what anyone else has done in this situation and opinions about which  
> way will yield the better looking results. I should mention that I  
> broke one of the catchers at the cork hole already so I’m leaning  
> towards removing the bottom half of the catcher. Also what tool  
> would you use to cut with, side cutters, shank nippers?
>
> Thanks
> Bill Costanzo

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