Pianotech

  • 1.  Grinder/buffer?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-28-2023 10:41
      |   view attached

    Hi all,
    The Journal is planning a series on the basics of setting up a shop. I'm hoping to get input from a wide variety of techs, as I'm sure everyone's shop looks a little different. Stay tuned.

    I'd like to address one question for myself, and I'm sure others will have the same question: have you been able to get by with one machine doing both grinding and buffing? I have a tiny shop, about 9x10', so I have limited room for power tools.

     Currently, I have an 8", variable speed grinder, and I've replaced one grinding wheel with a buffing wheel. My primary tasks are buffing ivory keys and tool mods. 

    Have you been able to get by with one machine, or is it a better idea to have two dedicated ones?
    do you prefer one size over another-6" vs 8"? I assume a variable speed unit is preferred, at least for buffing ivory.

    thanks!



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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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  • 2.  RE: Grinder/buffer?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-28-2023 10:45

    Next tool would be a good bandsaw.  Rikon has a nice 10 or if you have space and budget a good 14 ".  Don't forget a good workbench.



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    Parker Leigh
    Winchester VA
    (540) 722-3865
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  • 3.  RE: Grinder/buffer?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-28-2023 12:29

    Parker,
    Thanks, that will also eventually be a topic, along with drill presses, table saws, etc.
    And yes, bench building will come first. However, my first question remains: one grinder doing double duty, or two?

    Sorry about the photo--not sure why it uploaded and turned it.



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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Grinder/buffer?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-28-2023 14:41

    Scott, 

    Variable speed Is good. I wish I had a VS grinder. However two dedicated units can prove to be very handy. On my other one I have a deburring wheel which gets used for metal polishing and surface removal. Puts a really nice bright finish on screw heads, nearly indistinguishable from plated. With pressure it will remove some metal. This little unit gets used a lot. Would because pain to switch out the grinding wheel every time I wanted to do a quick polish. 

    My money would be on a second unit.

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Grinder/buffer?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-28-2023 16:21

     I have a dedicated grinder with dual wheels, one coarse and one fine.  I don't do a lot of grinding.  It's mostly for sharpening and dressing tools.   I only bring it out from the cupboard when I need it and clamp it to the bench.  For buffing and polishing you don't need a mount and shield.   For that I use an electric motor which I think once belonged to a washing machine.  It was cheap when I picked it up at the swap meet and has given me fifty years of trouble-free service.   It's permanently mounted and I use it frequently, mostly for cleaning up rusty parts, buffing keytops, etc.  It's quite adaptable with  a variety of wheels . 
    When you look around your shop and ask yourself what else you need don't forget the corollary: how much bench space am I sacrificing to have this?



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    Cecil Snyder RPT
    Torrance CA
    (310) 542-7108
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Grinder/buffer?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-29-2023 01:40
    If you have limited shop space, yes one grinder that subs as a polisher will work, just be aware that it will fling "crud" off so have it set up so it doesn't spread it all over your shop, and so you can clean it up easily. Variable speed is almost a must, as polishing is better done at a slower speed than grinding.
     
     





  • 7.  RE: Grinder/buffer?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-30-2023 11:53
    The grinder leaves bits of metal and grit from the the wheel that will get onto the cloth or felt wheel and make it scratch plastic. 

    If you have to have one grinder take the cloth wheel off.  I myself think the best set up for buffing is a spindle/ motor mounted on a floor stand with some shield and vacuum set up to capture the fuzz and compound.
    --
    Sent from Gmail Mobile



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Grinder/buffer?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-30-2023 13:12

    Jessica,
    Thanks, great tip!
    Scott



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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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    Original Message