Pianotech

  • 1.  indexing grand lid hinges

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-23-2019 10:00
    I feel a bit of a fool asking, but what is the best  (most accurate/least headache) way to fit new hinges on a lid? In this situation the no name small grand is missing the hinge part that screws into the inner rim. Plus, the original screw holes are stripped and wood a bit shredded. It probably makes good sense to put the new hinges a couple inches away from the position of the originals.
    Was this written up in some Journal "Tips" column?
    Geometrically challenged,

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    Patrick Draine
    Billerica MA
    978-663-9690
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  • 2.  RE: indexing grand lid hinges

    Posted 03-23-2019 10:51
    Actually Pat, fool has nothing to do with it...this is really hard.

    One possible way, if you are happy with the lid side of the hinge, is:
    -remove the lid
    -fill the wrecked screw holes with West system 105 and hardener, and clean up when cured. No filler needed.
    -leave the problem hinge's lid side leaf screwed to the lid. 
    -put the case side leaf together with the properly attached lid side leaf, insert hinge pin...this is all off the piano
    -put some double stick tape on the case side leaf, so the case side leaf  will stick to the case, when you lower the lid into place.
    -carefully lower the lid in place being careful not to let the case side leaf adhere to the case until you have it positioned the lid correctly...usually takes two people
    -when the position is right, allow the case side leaf to adhere to the case.
    -pull the hinge pin, separate hinge leaves, remove lid carefully, and drill pilot holes while the case side leaf is still adhered to the case.

    I usually make 2 or 3 attempts, before I'm satisfied the hinge went where I wanted it to go. Don't drill the pilot holes until you are sure you adhered the leaf to the correct location.


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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 3.  RE: indexing grand lid hinges

    Posted 03-23-2019 23:11
    It is a tough one.
    The easiest way I found to do it is with a jig. First I attach the hinge to the rim. I then make a "lid frame" with 1 x3's and screw it onto the hinges. The lid frame is now an oversized faux lid. I place the real lid on top of the lid frame and center it where i want it.  I then attach to the lid frame stop blocks in that position so that i can tilt to about a 45 degree angle and prop it up with a stick.  i then remove one screw at a time and mark the real lid.  I'll make a vid next time.
    -chris

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    Troubles are Bubbles, and they just float away.
    chernobieffpiano.com
    grandpianoman@protonmail.com
    Knoxville, TN
    865-986-7720
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  • 4.  RE: indexing grand lid hinges

    Posted 03-24-2019 09:27
    -File as needed to be sure the hinge plates separate easily.
    -Reassemble with the hinge pins.
    -Attach hinges to the piano rim.
    -Locate the lid on the piano.
    -Lift the lid slightly at the hinges and slip pieces of double-stick foam tape between the hinges and the lid. Press tight.
    -Pull the hinge pins and lift the lid with the hinge plates attached.
    -Drill for the screws
    -Remove the tape and screw on the hinge plates.
    -If you're worried, just drill for one screw and test fit before drilling for all screws.
    -Install.

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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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  • 5.  RE: indexing grand lid hinges

    Posted 03-24-2019 13:51
    That's how we do it here, also.

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    Ted Rohde
    Central Illinois
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  • 6.  RE: indexing grand lid hinges

    Posted 03-24-2019 21:04
    A simple method is to attach the hinges to the case and assemble the top hinges. Place the lid on the piano and center it all around making sure the lid brace bars do not rub on the case. A treble indexing pin is helpful. Place a short piece of masking tape at each end of the hinges on the bottom of the lid to index spacing. Mark the center of the pin on each piece of tape. Remove the lid and index the top hinge at the center lines. Drill screw holes and install screws loosely. Place the lid back on and install the pins. Lift the lid and tighten the screws. Leaving the screws loose allows the hinges to mate better initially.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
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  • 7.  RE: indexing grand lid hinges

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-26-2019 11:04
    HI all,
    This is just the kind of tip that would be great for the Journal. Anyone want to submit it with a few photos?
    thanks!
    Scott

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