Pianotech

  • 1.  "Squaring" grand hammers

    Posted 06-22-2017 13:44
    I need to replace two sets of grand hammers.  I'm having both sets custom bored and tapered, but not squared. My supplier doesn't do that.  They insist it's "easy to do."  
    Does anyone know if there is any video(s) or other pictorial instruction that shows how squaring grand hammers is done?  
    Your help will be appreciated.
    -Charles


     


  • 2.  RE: "Squaring" grand hammers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-22-2017 14:04
    Charles,

    I am part of a small minority (so far) that uses the term "squaring the hammers" to mean what most techs call "burning the shanks" (never could figure out what to do with all those ashes after burning…).

    I'm guessing that you mean arcing the hammer tails, so they have a desired radius and present a surface that is "squared" to a forward-facing backcheck. Performing this operation requires a sander (can be belt or disc) and a jig for the hammer. It is no big deal, if you are tooled up for it. I am curious who it is that will sell you the hammers and  bore and taper them, but does not offer arcing as well. (That is unusual, and not the case with Brooks, Pianotek or Renner USA, the vendors I used when outsourcing these services.)

    Alan

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    Alan Eder, RPT
    Herb Alpert School of Music
    California Institute of the Arts
    Valencia, CA
    661.904.6483
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  • 3.  RE: "Squaring" grand hammers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-22-2017 14:18
    Charles

    Squaring the hammers is a process of bending the shanks to make sure all the hammers are perpendicular to each other. Before you "square" the hammers, they need to travel the shanks in a straight plane to the strings. After traveling, the hammers will need to be "burned", to make them square. The term burning came from when an alcohol lamp was used to heat the shank. Sometimes the flame would scorch the shanks, to the point of actually burning them.  

    So when the hammer company tells you they can't square the hammers, it's because the angle of the hammer will change after you travel the shanks. 

    I hoe this explanation helps.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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  • 4.  RE: "Squaring" grand hammers

    Posted 06-22-2017 14:53
    Arching is easy. After clicking on the Pianotek URL posted I realized PT wants you to sign in. Click the navigation bar new tools. It is the Spurlock grand hammer tail arching jig.

    Pianotek Supply Company - Products - Parts
    Pianoteksupply remove preview
    Pianotek Supply Company - Products - Parts
    If you would like to set up an online store account, please fill in the form below or contact Pianotek at 248-588-9055 or service@pianoteksupply.com.
    View this on Pianoteksupply >

    The instructions are easy to understand. 

    SST 105 Spurlock Hammer Tail Arcing Jig
    YouTube remove preview
    SST 105 Spurlock Hammer Tail Arcing Jig
    Pianotek Supply Company is pleased to present this demonstration of the Spurlock Grand Hammer Tail Arcing Jig.
    View this on YouTube >


    It is worth the money. You could make your own. By squared do you mean arched?

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    Benjamin Sloane
    Cincinnati OH
    513-257-8480
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  • 5.  RE: "Squaring" grand hammers

    Posted 06-22-2017 15:12
    Are the hammers pre-hung?

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    Benjamin Sloane
    Cincinnati OH
    513-257-8480
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