[pianotech] Grand damper wire bending

[Ron Nossaman]

On 9/26/2010 7:19 PM, Tom Driscoll wrote:
> Michael,
> I use the schaff #244 on page 57 of their catalog.

That's page 67, and it's the best wire bender I've ever used. Wonderful 
tool. Simple, effective, controllable, and Wookie resistant.


>Mine was purchased
> many years ago so the version now available may or may not be satisfactory.

Likewise, though it's a simple enough action that I'd expect the current 
run to be similar. A worthy investment.


> While working with a technician friend I used his bender pliers which
> had compound leverage and I couldn't feel what was happening with the
> wire. Others may have a feel for this type tool but I don't see the need
> for the mechanical advantage that the compound design provides. The
> grand damper wire is thin and bends easily without the added leverage.

Actually, the mechanical advantage is probably similar, given the ratio 
of jaw to handle length. But I find the feel to be friendlier too. A 
piece of tape wrapped on one handle indicating the bend direction helps 
my brain cell keep track of which direction I'm about to bend. Works 
swell on backcheck wires too.


> The real question is where do you bend and why!
> Tom D.

Nah. The question is easy enough. It's just that the answer eats up so 
much of the day.
Ron N