From G Cousins <cousins_gerry@msn.com>
A "speed" technique is to cut the hammers off without touching the shanks. This is done by using a pair of side cutters and cutting (a splitting of sort of the hammre wood)from the tail up toward the shank. After a few times this is quit a rapid hammre removal method. There is no need to chip off the glew collar until after the entire set of hammers is removed.
If you want to use the exsisting hammers for a guide for hanging the new set then just cut off every other hammer, hang the new ones then snip off the remaining and complete the remainders.
This can technique also be used for the verts.
Would also suggest after removing the hammers to clean up the shanks and remove any glue.
Schaff tools 238 They call them Diagonal Music Wire Nippers aka Side cutters Also 3207 Hamner Shank Cutters pg 67
Shank reducer # 75 can be used (with caution) for cleaning off the glue.
Good luck
Gerry C, RPT
--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: mike.spalding1@verizon.net
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:30:09 -0500
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Grand Hammer Removal / Replacement
Gary,
A couple of things that have worked for me: 1) remove the glue collar.
This is necessary to let your press seat squarely against the hammer. If
it's hide glue, it should be brittle enough to chip off when pressed
with a not-too-sharp knife. 2) Pre-heat the joint with a heat gun. 3)
reduce the size of, or remove completely, the point on the end of your
shank press. Schaff's current offering has a big blunt point that does
excessively enlarge the end of the shank.
Are you trying to save the old hammers? If not, consider a different
removal method that sacrifices the hammers to reduce the damage to the
shank. Such as splitting the hammers with diagonal cutting pliers.
You'll still need to re-size or re-knurl the end of the shank to get
consistent fit to your new hammers.
hope this helps
Mike
Escapement wrote:
>
> Hello all, first, thanks again to all those who contribute here on a
> regular basis?I find this list an invaluable resource.
>
> When replacing grand hammers (retaining existing shanks) should I prep
> the hammer/ shank joint in any way prior to using my grand hammer
> press? My bible (Reblitz) doesn?t mention any need.
>
> I ask because when I use the press, it leaves a dimple in the top of
> the shank and seems to slightly swell it as well.
>
> I?m able to reshape the top by knurling with pliers, but I wonder if I
> could be doing it better.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice,
>
> Gary Hodge, PTG, assoc.
>
--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: jim_busby@byu.edu
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:58:40 -0600
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Leveling keys
Someone once told me that Steinway has a hidden motto "If you can't fix it, feature it." (Now, I LOVE Steinway. Just find it funny and somewhat accurate.)
Jim
Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Gerald Groot
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 7:41 PM
To: tcole@cruzio.com; pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Leveling keys
OK. Some interesting view points. Joe is cracking me up with his straight
forwardness. Even if he isn't intending too...
So far, via this thread and private emails, it's about 60/40. 60 % against,
40 % for it. Why and why not? If Steinway recommends it for their pianos
why not others too?