re: West's suggestion about the g-flex...while I use G-flex for some applications, the 105 resin w hardener, drips into the hole better, and consolidates the wood around the screw, in a way that g-flex does not. This is because the g-flex is thickened. When dribbling in 105 resin, the level of epoxy in the filled hole recedes after 15 min or so, as the resin soaks into and consolidates the beat-up hole. You then just continue topping up the hole with the resin. I usually stop topping it up, so I am left with a small indentation, which helps lead the pilot into the hole later when drilling.
Also, make sure the old holes did not go all the way through the keyframe, otherwise resin will come out the bottom of the keyframe. If they are drilled through, just put some masking tape over the bottom of the keyframe, at the punch through, and proceed as above.
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Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2020 21:10
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Best Screws for Screwing Steinway Action Brackets to Key Frame?
I'd also recommend having 2/ 6" drill bits on hand to do this job. One bit, that fits the hole in the bracket, closely, to find the center of the bracket hole, and to center the pilot bit, and one bit to drill the pilot. i think I use a 3/32" bit for pilot...though I never remember things like that off the cuff...in any case, the 6" drill bits are very helpful in controlling the location of the new hole.
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Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2020 20:34
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Best Screws for Screwing Steinway Action Brackets to Key Frame?
Like Jim, I have long used 1" #10 sheet metal Philips head screws for action brackets. They fit almost every existing a. b. screw hole I have encountered, and work well with the 6" bit in my cordless screwdriver. R&R action bracket screws like a pit crew!
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2020 20:21
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Best Screws for Screwing Steinway Action Brackets to Key Frame?
fill the old holes with west system 105 resin only...no fillers. Then forget wood screws altogether. Use stainless sheet metal screws. this is what manufacturers are using now, including M&H. Its a straight pilot instead of wood screws tapered pilot, which makes absolutely no sense any more. I use no 10 x 1" stainless sheet metal screws with phillips head, available at any hardware store on all s&s frames, and most other frames. Make sure to drill the proper size pilot...just wider than the screws root diameter, and put wax on the screw threads when you run them in the first time.
Also, always back the screw into the hole "jump" the screw when re-inserting, and you will never wear these holes out.
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Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2020 17:59
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Best Screws for Screwing Steinway Action Brackets to Key Frame?
If the holes are still threaded, and you just want to preserve the wood so it will stand up to repeated removal of the screws, you can drip some thin CA glue in the hole. It will wick into the wood and firm it up. If you're worried about it filling up the hole, put some Protek or Prolube on the screw and insert it while the glue dries. It will be a custom fit for that screw. If the hole is stripped out already, this won't work.
Paul McCloud
San Diego
Joseph Burros
I am working on a couple of older Steinway Actions and am not happy with the existing screws that are holding the action brackets to the key frame. Some strip out upon repeated removal and tightening. I'd like to find more effective replacements for these screws. Has anyone found the optimal screw to used to for Steinway action brackets that holds up over repeated servicing of the action and keeps a nice solid grip over time? (Pianos in question are 1949 Steinway L, and 1922 Steinway O)
I did an extensive search on the forums and did not really find anything on this.
Thanks,
Joe
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Joe Burros
Springfield MA
413-303-1698
Original Message:
Sent: 6/14/2020 4:27:00 PM
From: Joseph Burros
Subject: Best Screws for Screwing Steinway Action Brackets to Key Frame?
I am working on a couple of older Steinway Actions and am not happy with the existing screws that are holding the action brackets to the key frame. Some strip out upon repeated removal and tightening. I will use West Systems Epoxy to plug the stripped holes, and I'd like to find more effective replacements for the original screws. Has anyone found the optimal screw to used to for Steinway action brackets that holds up over repeated servicing of the action and keeps a nice solid grip over time? (Pianos in question are 1949 Steinway L, and 1922 Steinway O)
I did an extensive search on the forums and did not really find anything on this.
Thanks,
Joe
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Joe Burros
Springfield MA
413-303-1698
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