Pianotech

  • 1.  Drafting pens for CA application

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-08-2015 12:44
    A little while back, Jon Page wrote that he uses drafting pens for applying ca to bridge pins.  I went to the art supply store to search for such an item and found that there are many variations (needle point, brush tip, etc.)  I'm curious as to which is best, easiest to control.  And for cleaning the pen as well, would you use a new cartridge each time, new tip, or clean with acetone?  
    I have used small syringes in the past, but have found these very difficult to control.
    If Jon is reading, I guess this a query for him, but I thought the answer (if it comes) may benefit many who read this list.

    Thanks,
    Joe Wiencek NYC


  • 2.  RE: Drafting pens for CA application

    Posted 10-08-2015 12:59

    I use an old-style pen with a quick release for easier cleaning. After applying CA to the treble of an SD-10 a few times, I noticed a bead of glue between the notch and the string. I used some dental tools to excavate under the strings to produce a clean and more pronounced termination.  I also took the backing off an Exacto Razor Saw blade to score a line under the strings in front of the pins throughout the top two treble sections. Nice clean tone with no false beats.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page



  • 3.  RE: Drafting pens for CA application

    Posted 10-08-2015 13:00

    After digging out some of the notches with a dental scraper, i sealed the surfaces with CA applied with the drafting pen.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page



  • 4.  RE: Drafting pens for CA application

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-08-2015 13:39

    I'm curious to see what drafting pens are, but an alternative method uses plastic bottles (Gaunt 2oz) with fine needle tip. Excellent control.  When done, I transfer cap to a 2oz bottle of solvent and flush out remaining glue.  Works well if I'm conscientious.

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    David Skolnik
    Hastings-on-Hudson NY
    914-231-7565
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Drafting pens for CA application

    Posted 10-08-2015 15:15

    No clogging with the pens.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page



  • 6.  RE: Drafting pens for CA application

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-08-2015 15:45

    If you have a good supply of those tips, you can just accumulate a few clogged ones, and when you think of it put them into a jar with acetone. It soaks out long after it has dried. 

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    Fred Sturm
    University of New Mexico
    fssturm@unm.edu
    http://fredsturm.net
    http://www.artoftuning.com
    "We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Casteneda
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Drafting pens for CA application

    Member
    Posted 10-09-2015 11:40

    Another alternative is hypodermic syringes.  You can buy a box of 100 fairly cheaply from one of several on-line medical supply houses.  That would be a lifetime supply.  To avoid the dangers of the ultra-sharp point, I grind off the tips with a grinder or a file.  Then they are quite safe.  Even though they are billed as "disposable", you can clean them out for multiple applications of CA glue.

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    Robert Scott
    Real-Time Specialties
    Hopkins MN
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Drafting pens for CA application

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-09-2015 11:33
    Thanks Jon. That is definitely a style pen I did not see. With the photo, it makes sense to understand why it's easy to clean.

    Joe


    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Drafting pens for CA application

    Posted 10-09-2015 12:28

    With the old-style pen, it's easy to deliver a measured amount in a controlled manner. 

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    Regards,

    Jon Page