Pianotech

Hi all,

I just rebuilt my first Jansen bench. It went well, but I have a question for those with experience:

How long does it generally take you once it's on your workbench? It took me more than an hour, but I assumed an experienced tech would need about an hour so that's what I billed the client. I always assume my first attempt at anything takes twice as long as it should...

I've seen the instructions from both Mary Schwendeman and Bruce Stevens, and recommend two additional tools to have on hand: a vise grip, and an open-end 1/2" wrench with a ratchet at one end (Ace, about $12). On this particular bench the shoulder bolts on each middle cross tube were so tight that I needed to hold the tube itself with the vise grips to get the bolts out (step #14 in Bruce's directions and #17 of Mary's). The vise grips also came in handy for reinstalling the shoulder bolts.

For the corner leg bolts, I found that that the ratcheting side of the Ace open-end wrench worked well to tighten securely. There's very little clearance in there to reposition the regular open end, and the nut that needs tightening can be at just the wrong angle to grab with a regular wrench. That 1/2" wrench will now stay in my tool bag for a quick leg tightening of other benches.

thanks,
Scott

------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
------------------------------
​

I think if you contact Bruce Stevens, he'll have an answer to most if not all your questions. He used to give classes on rebuilding these benches. Check out this link I found on the internet:
https://pljansen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/rebuilding-bench.pdf
Paul McCloud
San Diego


Original Message------

Hi all,

I just rebuilt my first Jansen bench. It went well, but I have some questions for those with experience:
1. How long does it generally take you once it's on your workbench? It took me more than an hour, but I assumed an experienced tech would need about an hour so that's what I billed the client. I always assume my first attempt at anything takes twice as long as it should...

2. The parts kit is obscenely priced. Even though the cost is passed on to the customer, I wonder if the new parts really make a difference, or if some can be dispensed with. I should have mic'd the bushings to see if there was a difference between old and new. Has as anyone done this? It seemed like the major issue wasn't necessarily part wear but simply many loose bolts and screws (just about all of them).

3. I attempted to use the new set screws but they wouldn't go in smoothly. I didn't want to force anything and make a mess of the threads on the big parts-perhaps they were using a new tap tool with slightly different dimensions than the old bench I was working on? Has anyone had this problem? The kit is too expensive to just toss half the parts because the threads don't match. Maybe set screws that are working don't need to be replaced?

4. The bench has, if I remember, 6 "shoulder" bolts, but they only give you two in the kit. If those upper bolts wear, why not replace all of them? Is it even necessary to replace the two upper ones? They can be cleaned up with Flitz if corroded. 

If anyone has ideas about what parts are really necessary and which aren't, I'd like to hear it. Separate parts can be purchased from Jansen.

Lastly, I recommend two additional tools to have on hand: a vise grip, and an open-end 1/2" wrench with a ratchet at one end (Ace, about $12). The shoulder bolts on the cross tubes were so tight that I needed to hold the tube itself with the vise grips to get the bolts out. Using the two hex wrenches wouldn't do it, especially once one came out. It's likely they won't come out smoothly and at the same time. 

For the corner leg bolts, I found that that the ratcheting side of the open-end wrench worked well to tighten securely. There's very little clearance in there to reposition the regular open end. That 1/2" wrench will now stay in my tool bag for a quick leg tightening of other benches.

thanks,
Scott

------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
------------------------------

------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2018 11:48
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Jansen artist bench repair

I think if you contact Bruce Stevens, he'll have an answer to most if not all your questions. He used to give classes on rebuilding these benches. Check out this link I found on the internet:
https://pljansen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/rebuilding-bench.pdf
Paul McCloud
San Diego


Original Message------

Hi all,

I just rebuilt my first Jansen bench. It went well, but I have some questions for those with experience:
1. How long does it generally take you once it's on your workbench? It took me more than an hour, but I assumed an experienced tech would need about an hour so that's what I billed the client. I always assume my first attempt at anything takes twice as long as it should...

2. The parts kit is obscenely priced. Even though the cost is passed on to the customer, I wonder if the new parts really make a difference, or if some can be dispensed with. I should have mic'd the bushings to see if there was a difference between old and new. Has as anyone done this? It seemed like the major issue wasn't necessarily part wear but simply many loose bolts and screws (just about all of them).

3. I attempted to use the new set screws but they wouldn't go in smoothly. I didn't want to force anything and make a mess of the threads on the big parts-perhaps they were using a new tap tool with slightly different dimensions than the old bench I was working on? Has anyone had this problem? The kit is too expensive to just toss half the parts because the threads don't match. Maybe set screws that are working don't need to be replaced?

4. The bench has, if I remember, 6 "shoulder" bolts, but they only give you two in the kit. If those upper bolts wear, why not replace all of them? Is it even necessary to replace the two upper ones? They can be cleaned up with Flitz if corroded.

If anyone has ideas about what parts are really necessary and which aren't, I'd like to hear it. Separate parts can be purchased from Jansen.

Lastly, I recommend two additional tools to have on hand: a vise grip, and an open-end 1/2" wrench with a ratchet at one end (Ace, about $12). The shoulder bolts on the cross tubes were so tight that I needed to hold the tube itself with the vise grips to get the bolts out. Using the two hex wrenches wouldn't do it, especially once one came out. It's likely they won't come out smoothly and at the same time.

For the corner leg bolts, I found that that the ratcheting side of the open-end wrench worked well to tighten securely. There's very little clearance in there to reposition the regular open end. That 1/2" wrench will now stay in my tool bag for a quick leg tightening of other benches.

thanks,
Scott

------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
------------------------------

Original Message------


------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2018 11:48
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Jansen artist bench repair

I think if you contact Bruce Stevens, he'll have an answer to most if not all your questions. He used to give classes on rebuilding these benches. Check out this link I found on the internet:
https://pljansen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/rebuilding-bench.pdf
Paul McCloud
San Diego


Original Message------

Hi all,

I just rebuilt my first Jansen bench. It went well, but I have some questions for those with experience:
1. How long does it generally take you once it's on your workbench? It took me more than an hour, but I assumed an experienced tech would need about an hour so that's what I billed the client. I always assume my first attempt at anything takes twice as long as it should...

2. The parts kit is obscenely priced. Even though the cost is passed on to the customer, I wonder if the new parts really make a difference, or if some can be dispensed with. I should have mic'd the bushings to see if there was a difference between old and new. Has as anyone done this? It seemed like the major issue wasn't necessarily part wear but simply many loose bolts and screws (just about all of them).

3. I attempted to use the new set screws but they wouldn't go in smoothly. I didn't want to force anything and make a mess of the threads on the big parts-perhaps they were using a new tap tool with slightly different dimensions than the old bench I was working on? Has anyone had this problem? The kit is too expensive to just toss half the parts because the threads don't match. Maybe set screws that are working don't need to be replaced?

4. The bench has, if I remember, 6 "shoulder" bolts, but they only give you two in the kit. If those upper bolts wear, why not replace all of them? Is it even necessary to replace the two upper ones? They can be cleaned up with Flitz if corroded.

If anyone has ideas about what parts are really necessary and which aren't, I'd like to hear it. Separate parts can be purchased from Jansen.

Lastly, I recommend two additional tools to have on hand: a vise grip, and an open-end 1/2" wrench with a ratchet at one end (Ace, about $12). The shoulder bolts on the cross tubes were so tight that I needed to hold the tube itself with the vise grips to get the bolts out. Using the two hex wrenches wouldn't do it, especially once one came out. It's likely they won't come out smoothly and at the same time.

For the corner leg bolts, I found that that the ratcheting side of the open-end wrench worked well to tighten securely. There's very little clearance in there to reposition the regular open end. That 1/2" wrench will now stay in my tool bag for a quick leg tightening of other benches.

thanks,
Scott

------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
------------------------------

Looking forward to it Gerry,  I think Mary Schwendeman also produced a document that Jansen had previously posted or provided.  I'd be. curious to know what aspects of the current doc you have perhaps modified or, even  disagree with.  Don't forget to include anomalies,  when you seem to do everything right and it still doesn't work, perfectly, or the less common issues like worn rails, or vintages that may have used different size bushings.  Maybe vinyl/leather repair, or squeaking seat buttons.  Maybe link a video with the article. 


------------------------------
David Skolnik [RPT]
Hastings-on-Hudson NY
914-231-7565
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-05-2018 14:10
From: Gerald Cousins
Subject: Jansen artist bench repair

Timely post. 
Have been "rebuilding" our fleet of artist benches at the University.
about 75 +/-  in all.  Have put together a list if procedures based on a compilation of Jeff Ownes and Bruce Stevens previous works/publications.  Hoping to present it to an article in the Journal in the future.
Bottom line is I've got it to about a 45 minute procedure for each bench once it's on the bench.
Have a box or "parts n tools" dedicated to the job and like anything we do, proper practicing produces proper efficiencies.  Will try to summarize the work and tools here prior to publication.

Regards,

Gerry

Gerald P. Cousins, RPT and

Phone  484-876-1522

Cell      301-452-0911

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Original Message------


------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033

Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2018 11:48
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Jansen artist bench repair

I think if you contact Bruce Stevens, he'll have an answer to most if not all your questions. He used to give classes on rebuilding these benches. Check out this link I found on the internet:
https://pljansen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/rebuilding-bench.pdf
Paul McCloud
San Diego


Original Message------

Hi all,

I just rebuilt my first Jansen bench. It went well, but I have some questions for those with experience:
1. How long does it generally take you once it's on your workbench? It took me more than an hour, but I assumed an experienced tech would need about an hour so that's what I billed the client. I always assume my first attempt at anything takes twice as long as it should...

2. The parts kit is obscenely priced. Even though the cost is passed on to the customer, I wonder if the new parts really make a difference, or if some can be dispensed with. I should have mic'd the bushings to see if there was a difference between old and new. Has as anyone done this? It seemed like the major issue wasn't necessarily part wear but simply many loose bolts and screws (just about all of them).

3. I attempted to use the new set screws but they wouldn't go in smoothly. I didn't want to force anything and make a mess of the threads on the big parts-perhaps they were using a new tap tool with slightly different dimensions than the old bench I was working on? Has anyone had this problem? The kit is too expensive to just toss half the parts because the threads don't match. Maybe set screws that are working don't need to be replaced?

4. The bench has, if I remember, 6 "shoulder" bolts, but they only give you two in the kit. If those upper bolts wear, why not replace all of them? Is it even necessary to replace the two upper ones? They can be cleaned up with Flitz if corroded.

If anyone has ideas about what parts are really necessary and which aren't, I'd like to hear it. Separate parts can be purchased from Jansen.

Lastly, I recommend two additional tools to have on hand: a vise grip, and an open-end 1/2" wrench with a ratchet at one end (Ace, about $12). The shoulder bolts on the cross tubes were so tight that I needed to hold the tube itself with the vise grips to get the bolts out. Using the two hex wrenches wouldn't do it, especially once one came out. It's likely they won't come out smoothly and at the same time.

For the corner leg bolts, I found that that the ratcheting side of the open-end wrench worked well to tighten securely. There's very little clearance in there to reposition the regular open end. That 1/2" wrench will now stay in my tool bag for a quick leg tightening of other benches.

thanks,
Scott

------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
------------------------------