[pianotech] Stiff WNG?

[Mark S Burgett]

With the CA Gel glue the hammer can be removed very easily with hammer removal pliers without heat.  I have demonstrated this many times in class.

Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Delwin D Fandrich
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 3:46 PM
To: joegarrett at earthlink.net; pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Stiff WNG?

I have only used WN&G action parts with relatively light hammers--roughly
the equivalent of Ronsen 14 lb--and with these hammers the action feels
light and crisp. Very controllable. I don't know what it would feel like
with heavier hammers. Though I think you're the first person (technician or
pianist) I heard describe the action as "stiff." Next time I encounter one
I'll try it again with that in mind.

I've not yet used CA to glue the hammers on but I do see your point. Still,
like most every other difficult servicing and/or repair task we encounter
with pianos, someone will probably figure out a good servicing technique.

ddf

Delwin D Fandrich
Piano Design & Fabrication
6939 Foothill Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA
Phone  360.515.0119 - Cell  360.388.6525
del at fandrichpiano.com - ddfandrich at gmail.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Joseph Garrett
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 10:09 AM
To: pianotech
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Stiff WNG?



Perhaps I used the wrong word. Stiff is not exactly what I meant. I have
done a side by side of two M&H, one with wood parts and one with the WN&G
parts. The first thing I noted, was a harder, (probably still not the right
word<G>), feel. (my "feel" was similar to the "feel" that I got when
comparing the hard front rail punchings to the soft ones.) The main thing I
noticed was a marked difference in tone. Of course, this was one instance
where, supposedly the two pianos were the same, except for the actions. I
know that no two pianos, even of the same manufacture and model, are "the
same". The tone on the wood action piano was "warmer" to my perception.
As for future servicing? My first thought would be in the repacement of
hammers. I can envision major screwups involved in that process. Why? The
use of CA type glues would be my first suspected problem area. IF, the
hammer to shank joint were to fail, in the field...what would be used to fix
it, thinking what the average tech carries with him/her. Wood can be glued
back together, if broken. I'm not seeing that possibility with the carbon
fiber stuff. Probably, I'm not thinking it completely through, or just not
understanding the technology thoroughly.<G> Let's face it, we see all kinds
of damage to our beloved pianos that defies our comprehension.
I'm trying to envision repairs of these actions, in that context. 
Your testimony of the abuse that the action models have taken is certainly
something to think about. Under those circumstances, they'd have to be
"bullet proof", to be sure!<G> Regards, Joe


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I