Thanks for the insightful comments Jim. To bring more definition to this discussion, my long-term goal is both comprehensive and high-quality rebuilding work. So with that end in mind, I'd rather start with a larger air compressor. When a job comes up that needs blasting, I'm more than happy to have the person doing the keytops do the blasting as well. That way I can sidestep the whole capital expenditure for something I will use seldom.
As far as shop space is concerned, I'll have enough room to comfortably work on a 7-foot grand with the plate pulled and the action on a bench as well as more counter space and room for some portable shop machinery (aka table saw, grinder, drill press, planer etc).
Comprehensive rebuilding work for me means everything with the exception of refinishing which I would job out. I would not press my own soundboards but would order a board in a box duplication of what is there, or have someone like Revely custom build a board as per my customer's wallet. But comprehensive & high quality in every other aspect . . . Soundboard installation, resetting bearing, notching Bridges, pinblock installation, back action, resetting action elevation, custom Hammer hanging and backcheck location. If new keys/balance rail location, etc are needed, there are several high quality keyboard experts in our industry that I would trust. Richard Cromwell did a phenomenal job for me 3 years ago on a 1937 Steinway. Not only was everything both perfect and beautiful, but the repetition / checking dance came out great. So I anticipate jobbing things out in a collaborative effort. Sometimes it would be things that I could do but for profitability reasons makes sense for somebody else to do. At other times it would be because that level of expertise is something I don't want to have to invest my resources for that learning curve.
I do realize that greatly narrows the market that would pay for this kind of work. But my field service is high quality. If customers are not willing to pay for that, then they don't need my quality as a technician. I plan on taking that same approach with rebuilding as well. And so that means passing up low paying jobs because it would compromise the quality of work I want to do.
Kamuela "Sam" Haasenritter, RPT
President: Haasenritter Piano Service, Inc.
Certified Bosendorfer Technician
Certified WNG Action Installer
Registered Piano Technician
www.hpianoservice.com(404) 932-8863 (TUNE)
On Feb 7, 2017 3:12 PM, "Jim Ialeggio via Piano Technicians Guild" <
Mail@connectedcommunity.org> wrote:
You haven't defined exactly what level of rebuilding you want to get into. To be fair, its hard to predict where one will end up with their... -posted to the "CAUT" community
Re: Air Compressors | | | You haven't defined exactly what level of rebuilding you want to get into. To be fair, its hard to predict where one will end up with their rebuilding, because the available jobs you land will define that for you. This means that despite the best laid plans, things can escalate quickly, especially in the air department.
For instance, if you just planned on doing action work, you would think a small work-site 1-1/2hp portable, like carpenters use, would be sufficient. And that would be correct...kind'a. Kind'a, because for much of what we need air for a small compressor is fine, brad nailing jigs, blowing crud off parts, and running maybe a die grinder very very occasionally for a short period of time, spraying a small part that's not too picky. But then, you have a job come in where you want to clean up a vintage action. Now what?...this means a blasting cabinet, and the game escalates out of control in the capital expense and air department. Now you need serious cfm and HP and a well thought out plumbing system, and amperage that may or may not be appropriate to your service, dust collection, etc, etc. And then , even with serious current, newer large compressors are really picky about voltages and consistency of voltages...the newer machines seem to burn out, way more often than they ought
So, if I were thinking about this, I would start small. I only had a 1.5hp for 20 years. There were times I was frustrated by this, and eventually I did upgrade. The upgrade certainly changed what I could do and how well I could do it, but I resisted it for a long time, as I new it would be a serious pain to set up. It was very expensive in the hidden cost department, ie in items other than the compressor...it also took a huge amount of time to tweak and get so I didn't burn out motors or regulators every 2 months, etc, etc.
So, I'm saying serious air is useful, but a pain in the ass, either continually, or until the compressor gods decide to smile on you. I would define your work around what you could do on a limited capital outlay for now, and sub out the items that need serious air, at least until you see if you can swing this part of the business.
------------------------------ Jim Ialeggio grandpianosolutions.com Shirley, MA 978 425-9026 ------------------------------ | | Reply to Group Online View Thread Recommend Forward | ------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 02-07-2017 11:12 | |
| |
Original Message------
You haven't defined exactly what level of rebuilding you want to get into. To be fair, its hard to predict where one will end up with their rebuilding, because the available jobs you land will define that for you. This means that despite the best laid plans, things can escalate quickly, especially in the air department.
For instance, if you just planned on doing action work, you would think a small work-site 1-1/2hp portable, like carpenters use, would be sufficient. And that would be correct...kind'a. Kind'a, because for much of what we need air for a small compressor is fine, brad nailing jigs, blowing crud off parts, and running maybe a die grinder very very occasionally for a short period of time, spraying a small part that's not too picky. But then, you have a job come in where you want to clean up a vintage action. Now what?...this means a blasting cabinet, and the game escalates out of control in the capital expense and air department. Now you need serious cfm and HP and a well thought out plumbing system, and amperage that may or may not be appropriate to your service, dust collection, etc, etc. And then , even with serious current, newer large compressors are really picky about voltages and consistency of voltages...the newer machines seem to burn out, way more often than they ought
So, if I were thinking about this, I would start small. I only had a 1.5hp for 20 years. There were times I was frustrated by this, and eventually I did upgrade. The upgrade certainly changed what I could do and how well I could do it, but I resisted it for a long time, as I knew it would be a serious pain to set up. It was in fact a real pain, and it was very expensive in the hidden cost department, ie in items other than the compressor...it also took a huge amount of time to tweak and get so I didn't burn out motors or regulators every 2 months, etc, etc.
So, I'm saying serious air is useful, but a pain in the ass, either continually, or until the compressor gods decide to smile on you. I would define your work around what you could do on a limited capital outlay for now, and sub out the items that need serious air, at least until you see if you can swing this part of the business.
------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 02-07-2017 11:12
From: David Skolnik
Subject: Air Compressors
To better visualize your situation, it might help to know the size of the basement space (including ceiling height), as well as the actual level of current electrical service available. Depending upon the extent of natural ventilation, you could expend a considerable amount of your usage on air quality - temperature, dehumidification (you are in GA after all), particulate dust and fumes.
Then, of course, there's good lighting and primo sound system.
------------------------------
David Skolnik
Hastings-on-Hudson NY
914-231-7565
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 02-06-2017 21:12
From: Kamuela (Sam) Haasenritter
Subject: Air Compressors
Thanks for the replies. I've gone back and forth with my electrician as he originally voiced concern that I might not have enough amps going into my house to power a shop, along with the house's electrical needs. So, I was wondering if a 110v compressor would be strong enough. But from this (as well as a couple others from the archives) I think it is obvious now I need to have a 220V compressor. And, after double checking things, my electrician has concluded that if I'm not running all my shop tools at the same time I should be ok! Glad to hear that as I wasn't looking to pay an extra 5k to run a 2nd line into my house. I will definitely not skimp in this area!------------------------------
Kamuela "Sam" Haasenritter, RPT
President: Haasenritter Piano Service, Inc.
Certified Bosendorfer Technician
Certified WNG Installer
(404) 932-8863
sam@hpianoservice.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2017 15:57
From: Kevin Fortenberry
Subject: Air Compressors
Regarding a good solid air compressor, I would just say don't skimp. Definitely do not even consider one that isn't oil filled. I just saw a Crafstman online that looked like a good "starting place". It had about a 27 gallon tank, and had a max PSI rating of 150. I'm going to try to attach a pic.
Of course it all depends on what stores you have in your area, what is readily available, your long term goals, etc vesus how much you are willing to spend. This sample is a little over 500 dollars which I am sure you can do better--plus with Sears selling their Craftman line, etc--not sure I would actually buy it from Sears. If nothing else, hopefully this will "stir the pot" and perhaps others will chime in.
Kevin
------------------------------
[Kevin] [Fortenberry] [RPT]
[Staff Techician]
[Texas Tech Univ]
[Lubbock] [TX]
[8067783962]
Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2017 00:32
From: Jason Davies
Subject: Air Compressors
For painting, I would highly recommend looking at the Fuji Systems spray system. It's HVLP and the platinuim 4 unit will do what you need. It's also very tiny. We love it.
------------------------------
Jason Davies Associate Member
TechRx Inc / Fifth Octave, LLC
Green Bay, WI
920.884.1195
http://techrxgb.com