[pianotech] shrinking with H20 & alcohol-revisited

[Dale Erwin]

      David
  Don is giving excellent advice.
  I will add one caveat. Though the bushings have been treated with protek I'd still try alcohol and water first. Yes its counter to the advice given, but I have been in your shoes and done just what I am suggesting and it solved most of the problems. Find the tightest sample and try a solution with an educated guess method. Apply and wait to see what happens,... if nothing then proceed with Dons good advice. That said usually there will be some still too tight or loose and repinning is the correct remedy.
 And ...one strength solution doesn't fit all. Another words 50/50 mix may be ok for the tightest ones but not the lesser tight ones.
  As always the strength of the remedy is result driven.


Dale Erwin RPT-
 Mason & Hamlin/Steinway/U.S pianos
Pre-hung Ronsen hammer sets/Abel parts
Sitka Soundboards & Supplies
WWW.Erwinspiano.com
209-577-8397

 
  





-----Original Message-----
From: Don Mannino <donmannino at ca.rr.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Sat, Mar 10, 2012 11:20 am
Subject: Re: [pianotech] shrinking with H20 & alcohol-revisited



David,
 
After being lubricated over time, it is not likely that Alcohol and Water will do much.  The tightness could be caused by things other than simply tight bushing cloth (burrs on pins, distorted old hammer flanges, etc.), plus the lubricants tend to reduce the ability of the water to do anything – the cloth doesn’t swell then shrink like it should.
 
It’s best to apply it with a dropper to the individual bushings.  Rubbing alcohol is a good mix, and if you watch closely with good lighting you will see if the water is penetrating the bushings – it should wick right into the cloth.  If not, then it’s not likely to do any good.
 
If you might have to take the flanges off the rail, why, then you are already done with ½ of the repinning job.  Just ream and repin and be done with it.
 
Do watch for flanges that squeeze and distort when tightening the screws.  This is pretty common with old wood flanges.  If the fit is tight when it is in on the rail, but becomes free when you unscrew it, that is very likely the source of the problem.  So new flanges would be the answer, and this would also eliminate the oily bushings from the piano while you are at it.
 
Don Mannino
 

-----Original Message-----
From: David Weiss <davidweiss at embarqmail.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Sat, Mar 10, 2012 1:17 am
Subject: [pianotech] shrinking with H20 & alcohol-revisited


 

I have an old upright with perennial tight action centers.  Protek provides only  temporary relief so I want to try using H2O with alcohol. 

 

Can I apply the alcohol to the hammer flanges without removing them from the rail?  My concern is that the water/alcohol mixture will run over into onto the hammer butt or spring punching and loosen the glue.

 

Thanks,

 

David Weiss


From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Tom Driscoll
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2011 10:13 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] piano behavior - shrinking with H20 & alcohol


 


Rick,


 I use denatured alc mixed 50 -50 with water.


 Tom D.



Subject: Re: [pianotech] piano behavior - shrinking with H20 & alcohol


 


What is the ratio of water to alcohol ?

Rick Ucci 


Uccipiano.com




 




 
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