The challenge is the wandering bit. This is one of the many reasons why I bought a Bridgeport, as I can start a hole, not like the placement, and move slightly to a correct location with impunity. But lacking a Bridgeport, use a stub length drill bit, and drill press with very little quill slop. Drill presses all have quill slop, and this causes the bit to wander, so get one with little slop.
Also, I clamp the key in a machinist vise on the machine's xy table. This really cleaned things up big time, and as I said you can correct a slightly off hole. I need to do this, as sighting a bit, I normally try to hit my mark a couple of times, so I move the key tiny bits, until I'm happy with the centering and side-to-side placement. You can buy xy tables for drill presses, and I would consider one of these, as they have many uses, beyond capstans.
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Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-02-2020 03:34
From: David Love
Subject: Plugging capstan holes
If you aren't drilling into the old hole then just fill the hole with west system epoxy and a low density filler using a syringe injector and sand it flush. The epoxy will give support if you are drilling relatively close to the old hole.
If you are drilling into where the old hole is, for example when simply turning a slanted capstan into a vertical one, then the epoxy filler won't work as the bit will wander.
The fastest and cleanest method is to buy 3/4" unfinished wood cubes (you can find them easily on line for about $10 per100). Using a 3/4" straight router bit cut a notch across the key that encompasses the old capstan hole that is exactly 3/4" deep.
Glue in the cubes orienting the grain in the same way as the key and flush to the top of the key. Trim the sides with a bearing flush trim router bit. You'll have to flip the key upside down to do that.
if the old hole is deeper than 3/4" don't worry about it.
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David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
Original Message:
Sent: 05-01-2020 21:04
From: David Skolnik
Subject: Plugging capstan holes
If this question has appeared recently (or not so recently) on this, or any other list, I'd appreciate being directed to the discussion. Alternatively, re-providing info would also be lovely -
The question: I'm repositioning capstans. What method do people use to plug holes? Options seem to range from using wood filler, dowel (grain issues?), to manufacturing plugs. I would be inclined towards option 3 but it seems that 3/8" is the smallest size tenon cutter available. Not sure that leaves enough original key material.
Thanks for any thoughts.
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David Skolnik [RPT]
Hastings-on-Hudson NY
917-589-2625
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