Pianotech

  • 1.  Lubrication/Igrec

    Posted 05-24-2021 01:55
    I see in Mario Igrec's Pianos Inside Out book a list of lubrication (p145)
    that is pretty concise. But with so many options which ones should I narrow down to?

    Do I need powdered graphite?

    What is the difference between McLube 444 powder, liquid, and dry spray? Should I get all 3? What would I use one option for that I wouldn't use the other?

    What about what is the difference between TFL-50 and McLube 444 dry sprays?

    What is the difference of use between TFL-50 dry spray and wet spray?

    Also, how long do lubricants last?






  • 2.  RE: Lubrication�/Igrec

    Posted 05-24-2021 02:12
    One other question, why do manufacturers not lubricate parts such as grease on pedal linkages or Teflon powder on damper rod felt bushings behind vertical actions?...It sure makes warranty service appointments a bit of a big deal when one small but persistent squeak is eminating from the damper rod flange behind the action requiring action removal and the works!

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    Cobrun Sells
    cobrun94@yahoo.com
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  • 3.  RE: Lubrication�/Igrec

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-24-2021 03:31
    I think part of the problem is that the manufacturers confuse slippery with sound-absorbing. This led them to stop using cloth liners for damper lever springs, instead spraying on the green teflon.

    The other problem is that the people doing the designing in the factories apparently do not go look at their products after four or five years of use. We see them after the problems have developed, but there seems to be a failure of communication between us and them.

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    Susan Kline
    Philomath, Oregon
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  • 4.  RE: Lubrication�/Igrec

    Posted 05-24-2021 16:09
    A big NO on the powdered graphite. You can make some VJ Lube or a Teflon powder and petroleum jelly concoction. Other than that, the only thing you'll need is Counter Bearing Lube (CBL).

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
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  • 5.  RE: Lubrication�/Igrec

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-24-2021 17:54
    A year or two ago I saw a TV special about teflon, that it is toxic, especially when heated (so what a horrid idea making non-stick frying pans from it is!), and that it doesn't biodegrade. I changed to using talc instead, which was used in the original VJ lube as well.

    I always thought teflon was pretty stable and non-reactive and therefore safe, which just shows the danger of idle guesswork over searching out real information.

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    Susan Kline
    Philomath, Oregon
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  • 6.  RE: Lubrication�/Igrec

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-25-2021 00:44
    Talc has traces of asbestos, which is why is is quietly being removed from toiletry and medical use.

    Teflon is fairly harmless, but will likely be eventually found dangersous enough.

    Graphite is deadly dangerous if you spill it on a customer's $50K rug.

    Wax is inadequate for many uses.

    Silicon probably has its own problems.

    Nothing is 100% safe or effective.

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    Blaine Hebert
    Duarte CA
    626-795-5170
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  • 7.  RE: Lubrication�/Igrec

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-25-2021 08:00
    Hi, Blaine

    I bought 100% talc from a provider selling it to people formulating their own cosmetic products, a couple of years ago. At this point, I'll go back to that brand and see what they say about asbestos.

    I note that a number of products claim their talc is free of asbestos, so I ought to be able to find a source for 100% talc free of asbestos and other ingredients like scent. Once it arrives, I'll toss what I have and replace it with the asbestos-free kind.

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    Susan Kline
    Philomath, Oregon
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  • 8.  RE: Lubrication�/Igrec

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-25-2021 10:21
    As with so many things it usually boils down to HOW and HOW MUCH a substance us being used. Also, the term "free" (as in caffeine free) is usually allowed to be used (legally) even though a % of the target substance is still contained (as in caffeine free, etc).

    I use PTFE powder, PTFE mixed with Protek grease (when needed), and CBL. Occasionally I use a soapstone stick as well as a graphite stick. Pretty much takes care of my lube issues. 

    When using powder I try not to make it go everywhere. If concerned, one could easily wear a mask (but then there was a Canadian study that found asbestos in some masks being distributed to child care centers...the list goes on)

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 9.  RE: Lubrication�/Igrec

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-25-2021 22:50
    Concerning the the OP Cobrun wrote "what would I use one option for that I wouldn't use the other?"

    Steven Brady has a book "Piano Technicians Guide to Field Repairs". In the back there is a two page list of lubricants and places to use and not to use them. It's a good general list. I think the only major lube missing from the list is McLube 444. You can purchase the book through the PTG store. 

    I have narrowed down to Mc 444, Teflon powder and VJ lube. Sometimes I use silicone for upright trap work. 


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    Daniel Achten
    Chattanooga TN
    423-760-2458
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