[pianotech] Melting on plastic elbows

[Tom Driscoll]

Re: [pianotech] Melting on plastic elbowsDavid, Jon et all,
  Jon sorry for the incorrect attribution . I see your point about the time saving issue as my method for years has been the same as you describe, but as David P. reports the melting is easier on the hands-fingers. The lungs may be another issue.
As to the point Dale made about retiring the spinet piano I do have a line where I say no to service. Yesterday for example with a mid 60's loss leader Hobart m Story and clarkish stencil spinet with a horrid rattling bass and a tenor that sounded like a banjo along with those wacky keys that had the wrap around plastic keytops attached to a thin stick and oh by the way-- petrified grommets.
 As Nancy Reagan said--"just say no!"
 On the other hand the somewhat maligned Betsey Ross still had reasonable tone and is @ pitch , remains quite tuneable and action wise responsive enough for beginning - intermediate play.
 Is it worth refinishing,new hammers ,bass strings ? No way in my opinion but  replacing  elbows , some cleaning , partial regulation and tuning serves the customer and the technician .
Just my take my Bro's.
 Tom D.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Porritt, David 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 9:34 AM
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Melting on plastic elbows


  Jon:

   

  I've melted them on for many years and it might be just marginally faster, but it is VERY much easier on the hands!  

   

  dp

   

  David M. Porritt, RPT

  dporritt at smu.edu

   

   

  From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Jon Page
  Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 6:12 AM
  To: pianotech at ptg.org
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Melting on plastic elbows

   

        I can't remember who passed on the tip (Maybe Jon Page?)

    Instead of screwing on the replacement elbows I applied a few seconds of heat from a propane bottle torch to the wire then pushed on the new plastic

    elbow  holding  it in place for a two count. Very fast and easier in the hands.

   

  'Tweren't me. I'm a proponent of the spin technique. Clamp a ViseGrip

  on the wire at the top of the old elbow and cut off the old plastic with end

  nippers. Once the new elbow is started, rotate the VG while holding the elbow.

   

  I can't see how holding the wire to the flame to heat it takes less time than

  to spin it on AND no fumes.

-- 
  Regards,

  Jon Page
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