Pianotech

  • 1.  Bolstering knuckles

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-24-2017 08:41
    Could someone please explain their method for bolstering knuckles with
    bushing cloth?

    Specifically;?? what is your method for pulling bushing cloth through???
    Does it require a specific type of needle??? How do you secure the
    bushing cloth to the needle?

    Any other tips or suggestions?

    Thanks,

    David

    David Weiss
    Registered Piano Technician
    (434) 823-9733
    davidweisspiano@gmail.com
    www.davidweisspiano.com


  • 2.  RE: Bolstering knuckles

    Posted 12-24-2017 08:59
    Bushing cloth would be used to bolster the heel cushion. To bolster knuckles use rug yarn, no need to use glue. Single or double strand, whichever is most effective.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Bolstering knuckles

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-24-2017 09:01
    David,

    Don't cut the cloth strips, tear them.  They'll be stronger, less likely to break as you pull them through the knuckles.

    Flat lacing needles from Tandy Leather:  2-Prong Lacing Needle 10/pk
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    2-Prong Lacing Needle 10/pk - The two prongs hold 3/32" (0,2 cm) and 1/8" (0,3 cm) flat lace..
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    Michael Spalding RPT
    Fredonia WI
    262-692-3943
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Bolstering knuckles

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-24-2017 16:28

    Another thing to try: needle the core instead of bolstering!

     

    The core cloth doesn't wear out, it only compresses with time.  All of the original wool should still be in there!   You can use a long voicing needle to pass directly through the core from side to side just under the flat part, needling 3 or 4 times as needed.  I like to swell it out a little too far because it does settle back a little as it's used.

     

    Give it a try, if you don't like the results, then try bolstering.

     

    Don Mannino

     




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Bolstering knuckles

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-24-2017 17:36
    Hi Don, I really value these forums.  I totally forgot about this.  Thanks for jumping in there.  Between first being told this and now, Profelt has been introduced.  I wonder what effect it would have on the felt inside the knuckle. 
     
    Lar
     



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Bolstering knuckles

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-25-2017 12:02
    Don's suggestion works great. The other thing is squeezing the knuckles with a par of pliers. Brush the leather/escaine with a brass-bristle suede brush and rub in some powdered Teflon and the escapement will be much improved.

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    Mario Igrec, RPT
    http://www.pianosinsideout.com
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Bolstering knuckles

    Posted 12-25-2017 12:40
    Side voicing pliers would be great for this.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Bolstering knuckles

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-25-2017 14:24
    Not to get too meta about this but the tool I use to follow Mr Mannino's recommendation is my .049 Mannino reamer. Just don't run the knurled section through the knuckle or you'll remove felt.

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    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Bolstering knuckles

    Member
    Posted 12-27-2017 13:26
    I attended a great class in St Louis about felts and leathers and where to user various types. I have a picture that I took that showed the use of buckskin (I think) along with a large needle for bolstering. Will try to find the picture and attach it so all can see. I have tried yarn and other techniques but sometimes the knuckles are so far gone there is not much change.

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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    Original Message