Hi Patrick,
Are you sure you're using Amazon correctly? I buy 12 ( one case) for about $8 a can.
Hope that helps.
-chris
Original Message:
Sent: 2/14/2024 1:27:00 PM
From: Patrick Greene
Subject: RE: Baldwin Hamilton Action
Hey Chris, where does a person get TSI 301 and Boron nitride in spray form is not cheap! I found it on Amazon for $100 for two aerosol spray cans.
------------------------------
Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2024 14:47
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Baldwin Hamilton Action
I found two lubricants that are imo superior to teflon. For spraying applications I use Boron nitride. For metal to felt its fantastic, also use it on my planer. And for action centers I use TSI 301. It lubricates and removes contaminates at the molecular level.
-chris
Original Message:
Sent: 2/12/2024 1:44:00 PM
From: Dave Conte
Subject: RE: Baldwin Hamilton Action
PTFE is the chemical abbreviation of Teflon or Polytetrafluoroethylene.
Do you spray it into the mortises?
Original Message:
Sent: 2/12/2024 1:32:00 PM
From: Patrick Greene
Subject: RE: Baldwin Hamilton Action
I misspoke. It TFL50 Dry Lube. I have always called it Teflon spray when it clearly says on the side "PTFE dry lubricant"
------------------------------
Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2024 08:02
From: Dave Conte
Subject: Baldwin Hamilton Action
Patrick,
Wondering what Teflon spray you found.
------------------------------
Dave Conte, RPT
Piano Technician in Residence
The University of Tennessee
College of Music
Knoxville TN
(817) 307-5656
Owner: Rocky Top Piano
Original Message:
Sent: 02-11-2024 17:18
From: Patrick Greene
Subject: Baldwin Hamilton Action
I took all of you all's advice to heart and completed the job today. I carefully lubed every action center and paid special attention to the wippen and jack centers. I am pretty sure the balance rail holes were too tight, so I eased them a bit, sprayed teflon in the front bushings, put McLube on the balance rail and front keybed pins. I put the action back in and strengthened a few jack springs, took out lost motion and tested the piano while keeping the damper pedal depressed. The jacks tripped correctly and there was no more sluggishness. I did not replace any Corfam butts as I think it would have been too costly for the customer even at my reduced rates. It looks like it was not the Corfam that was the problem. Thank you all so much!!
------------------------------
Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
Original Message:
Sent: 02-08-2024 09:34
From: William Shull
Subject: Baldwin Hamilton Action
First, that hardened buckskin is not buckskin but synthetic and was also under a program for replacement. It must be replaced if touch is to be improved. Replace catcher covering too. Protocol is to remove the damper levers and flip hammers forward for replacement of butt buckskin.
The most common problem with poor jack reset is insufficient lost motion, so gently pull back on the hammer rest rail to be sure all hammers follow slightly. Shim rail w key bushing material if needed. Every new vertical had this problem in the 1980s.
Baldwin vertical piano actions are capable of developing action center sluggishness and a mild case might show first with the use of the sustain pedal. Here it's helpful to release the soft pedal (hammer rest rail) quickly and note any slow returning hammers. But whip flanges are less easy to test. Suspect them too if reset is slow with the sustain pedal use.
Balance rail key bushings usually give problems first with keys which have more side angle, as the bushings wear faster and will hang up on return. Replacement is required. Also, In wet climes or with an un-used piano, suspect tight front or balance key bushings.
Also, back leading was ignored by Baldwin and improves performance dramatically, use a touch weight protocol to locate lead.
Bill Shull
Original Message:
Sent: 2/8/2024 7:59:00 AM
From: Patrick Greene
Subject: Baldwin Hamilton Action
I have a head scratcher with an1980s Baldwin Hamilton console action. When the sustain pedal is depressed, the keys adjacent to middle C will play, but then stutter. The jack is tripping out but not returning quickly enough. At first I thought of the usual culprits, so I tried lubing the center pins and easing the keys..no luck as the jack and hammers do not appear to be sluggish.. Then I thought it might be the old Corfam issue, but I didn't see evidence of the blackened material and the hammer butts look to be made of regular leather, thought they do look like they are hardened. I was talking to some tuners in my chapter and they suggested that before I replace the hammer butts buckskin that I try using a leather reconditioner or to strenghten the jack springs and hammer return springs. Its been decades since I replaced a set of Corfam, so I am hesitant about doing that. Do you all have any idea what it could be? Thanks for any help
------------------------------
Patrick Greene
OWNER
Knoxville TN
(865) 384-6582
------------------------------