[pianotech] Easing key balance pin hole.

[David Love]

The other question is how to use the tool.  Should the key be eased
differently on the longitudinal axis than the latitudinal axis?  Do you just
insert the tool and turn it or is it more of a rocking motion?  First you
need to be sure that the thickness of the wood at the bottom of the hole is
uniform by using a #3156 (same page--Jon Page has previously posted a way to
index the thickness using that tool).  Then I think the better way is to
insert #43 tool from the top, turn the tool so that the wider part of the
tool is perpendicular to the length of the key and then rock the tool gently
from front to back so that the first ease is the side to side fitting
leaving the front to back fitting for last if the key is still too tight.
Personally I would like to see the #43 tool made as a one piece tool with a
T handle so that the T runs in the same direction as the wider part of the
working part of the tool. That way the orientation of the blade part would
always be known once inserted by the direction of the handle.   

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com


Hi list
Is there a difference easing through the top of the key balance pin hole and

through the bottom of the key? Have forgotten why?
Lim

Lim
 
The correct way to ease the balance rail hole is with a Key Balance Hole
Burnisher, (Schaff part # 43, page 43), inserted through the top of the key.
The angled burnisher opens the bottom of the hole, but keeps the V shape of
the hole inside the key, to allow the key to rotate on the balance rail pin.

 
If you open the hole from the bottom of the key, you risk making the hole
too big, which will result in a pulley key. (the key moving front to back on
the balance rail hole)
Wim