PianoTech Archive

  • 1.  Action Friction problem, Methanol

    Posted 02-18-2005 06:57 
    From Doug Renz Piano Tuning / Repair <pianotuner@frontiernet.net>

I went to tune for a customer and they commented about their action not
being the same sine they moved from British Columbia to Upstate New
York.  When I pressed down on the sustain pedal, the hammers would only
hit the string once and then not repeat.  I think I need to loosen up
fome friction points, and if you can think of where this might happen,
let me know.  I have to take out the action.  IT was a Baldwin console
upright. Nice piano tune.

Some fellow technicians said that you can use Methanol to loosen up the
action friction and this has worked well for them.  Do you know where
you can purchase Methanol?

Any ideas, suggestions would be appreciated!!!

Doug Renz
Associate PTG
Rochester, NY
pianotuner@frontiernet.net
(585) 227-5793


  • 2.  Action Friction problem, Methanol

    Posted 02-18-2005 07:21 
    From Richard Gullion <pianoguy@rogers.com>

I have used Protek available from supply houses. Works fine, but other formulas may be as good, but less expensive.
Doug...I do piano work in the Niagara area of Canada. Just across the Peace Bridge from Buffalo NY. If you are ever in the area....

Doug Renz Piano Tuning / Repair <pianotuner@frontiernet.net> wrote:
I went to tune for a customer and they commented about their action not
being the same sine they moved from British Columbia to Upstate New
York. When I pressed down on the sustain pedal, the hammers would only
hit the string once and then not repeat. I think I need to loosen up
fome friction points, and if you can think of where this might happen,
let me know. I have to take out the action. IT was a Baldwin console
upright. Nice piano tune.

Some fellow technicians said that you can use Methanol to loosen up the
action friction and this has worked well for them. Do you know where
you can purchase Methanol?

Any ideas, suggestions would be appreciated!!!

Doug Renz
Associate PTG
Rochester, NY
pianotuner@frontiernet.net
(585) 227-5793

_______________________________________________
pianotech list info: http://www.ptg.org/mailman/listinfo/pianotech


Richard
the "Piano Guy"


  • 3.  Action Friction problem, Methanol

    Posted 02-18-2005 07:37 
    From "Keith Roberts" <kpiano@goldrush.com>

Look up alcohol sizing tight center pins. There are posts on the purities
and such. You can get the "clean" alcohol from the pharmacist. Dilute with
30% water and a drop or two on the wippen flange bushing and let dry a
couple of days.

kpiano


    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 4.  Action Friction problem, Methanol

    Posted 02-18-2005 09:34 
    From "Michael Crosby" <michaelc@cooperpiano.com>

Baldwin verticals are notorious for extremely tight balance rail holes and
key bushings. First lift up the wippen off the back of a sample key and lift
up on the front of the key. You should be able to lift up a quarter of an
inch or so and have the key return without any problem. Try easing the
balance rail hole and front and balance rail key bushings if they seem tight
 Be very careful not to over ease the keys. I have found 30 or 40 year old
Baldwin consoles with sluggish actions due to this very problem. If you
still need to use an alcohol and water mixture to size action centers, you
can use denatured alcohol (methanol and ethanol mix).

Michael Crosby
Cooper Music
Atlanta, Ga. 
 

    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

                
    
                    
    
                        
                        
                    
    
                
    
        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 5.  Action Friction problem, Methanol

    Posted 02-18-2005 11:01 
    From "pianolover 88" <pianolover88@hotmail.com>

plain old isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) and water works just fine. Since the 
iso already has water added, try it alone, then if you need a second 
application, try adding a little extra water, but always give it 24 hours to 
completely dry, then check centers. If I'm in a hurry, a hair dryer will 
speed the drying process.

Terry Peterson




    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 6.  Action Friction problem, Methanol

    Posted 02-18-2005 13:28 
    From "James Grebe" <pianoman@accessus.net>

Baldwin consoles could benefit from some key lead weights in the back of the 
key.  Not enough mass in back.  Common problem on Baldwin consoles.
Jim
James Grebe
Piano-Forte Tuning & Repair
Creator of Handsome Hardwood Caster Cups, piano benches, writing instruments
(314) 608-4137
WWW.JamesGrebe.com
1526 Raspberry Lane
Arnold, MO 63010
BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE!
pianoman@accessus.net

    
                                                
    
					
                                                    

        
                                                
				
    
                                                
    
                                                    
                                                        
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  • 7.  Action Friction problem, Methanol

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-20-2005 07:51 
    From Israel Stein <custos3@comcast.net>

At 10:01 AM 2/18/2005, Doug Renz wrote:
>Some fellow technicians said that you can use Methanol to loosen up the
>action friction and this has worked well for them.  Do you know where
>you can purchase Methanol?
>
>Any ideas, suggestions would be appreciated!!!

If you find your action centers are sluggish and need easing, Methanol is 
much more effective and works much faster than denatured alcohol. It is 
recommended by the tech people at Steinway (who seem to have much need for 
it...) You can buy Methanol from scientific laboratory supply outlets. If 
there isn't one near you, most of them will ship via UPS or some such outfit.

Methanol comes in 2 grades, and the lower (cheaper) laboratory grade is 
good enough for our purposes. It is very volatile, so store it safely in a 
tightly stoppered bottle.

DO NOT use racing (or model airplane) fuel - which is also Methanol. It 
contains oils that will contaminate your bushings and stain your piano parts.

Israel Stein