Pianotech

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

Excellent Mark. Do you use a table saw or band saw with this?

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

My first inquiry was with Renner as I was ordering a set of hammers that needed Universal moldings, but they don't make one or they don't offer one for sale for this purpose. 

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

That's one of the reasons I stopped using Renner hammers.  Do a proper bore, and the tails are too short, even on some Steinways.  I thought adding length on the tails was a ridiculous necessity.  

What works for me is to score a line designating the length of a tail for each section.  I clamp a thick block of wood to the band saw table near the blade, finger clamp 4 hammers, lay them on the wood block, and cut them to length with the band saw.  The I go over to the belt sander and another clamped block, and lightly clean them up.

My first inquiry was with Renner as I was ordering a set of hammers that needed Universal moldings, but they don't make one or they don't offer one for sale for this purpose. 

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

Will, not really following why you stopped using Renner. They do offer a universal molding which needs to be cut to the desired length (which is what I'm using on this current project-a 70s Kawai). What they don't offer is s commercial jig for doing so this my post  

What prompted this was that this piano is a 26 bass piano and I prefer the G4 over the G3 for tonal reasons generally. In my opinion the pressing of the lower profile G3 hammer is too hard for that profile (another discussion and I'm curious of anyone else finds that to be true). But the G4 is really set up for a 20 bass piano. It does have exactly 26 bass hammers but I do like to have at least one extra hammer in each section-preferably more-as it seems like my table saw periodically eats one during the tapering process. 

That's one of the reasons I stopped using Renner hammers.  Do a proper bore, and the tails are too short, even on some Steinways.  I thought adding length on the tails was a ridiculous necessity.  

What works for me is to score a line designating the length of a tail for each section.  I clamp a thick block of wood to the band saw table near the blade, finger clamp 4 hammers, lay them on the wood block, and cut them to length with the band saw.  The I go over to the belt sander and another clamped block, and lightly clean them up.

My first inquiry was with Renner as I was ordering a set of hammers that needed Universal moldings, but they don't make one or they don't offer one for sale for this purpose. 

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

they did not when I stopped.  And, as you say, you can't necessarily get the hammer you really want in the length you want.  

Will, not really following why you stopped using Renner. They do offer a universal molding which needs to be cut to the desired length (which is what I'm using on this current project-a 70s Kawai). What they don't offer is s commercial jig for doing so this my post  

What prompted this was that this piano is a 26 bass piano and I prefer the G4 over the G3 for tonal reasons generally. In my opinion the pressing of the lower profile G3 hammer is too hard for that profile (another discussion and I'm curious of anyone else finds that to be true). But the G4 is really set up for a 20 bass piano. It does have exactly 26 bass hammers but I do like to have at least one extra hammer in each section-preferably more-as it seems like my table saw periodically eats one during the tapering process. 

That's one of the reasons I stopped using Renner hammers.  Do a proper bore, and the tails are too short, even on some Steinways.  I thought adding length on the tails was a ridiculous necessity.  

What works for me is to score a line designating the length of a tail for each section.  I clamp a thick block of wood to the band saw table near the blade, finger clamp 4 hammers, lay them on the wood block, and cut them to length with the band saw.  The I go over to the belt sander and another clamped block, and lightly clean them up.

My first inquiry was with Renner as I was ordering a set of hammers that needed Universal moldings, but they don't make one or they don't offer one for sale for this purpose. 

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

Will, not really following why you stopped using Renner. They do offer a universal molding which needs to be cut to the desired length (which is what I'm using on this current project-a 70s Kawai). What they don't offer is s commercial jig for doing so this my post  

What prompted this was that this piano is a 26 bass piano and I prefer the G4 over the G3 for tonal reasons generally. In my opinion the pressing of the lower profile G3 hammer is too hard for that profile (another discussion and I'm curious of anyone else finds that to be true). But the G4 is really set up for a 20 bass piano. It does have exactly 26 bass hammers but I do like to have at least one extra hammer in each section-preferably more-as it seems like my table saw periodically eats one during the tapering process. 

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 19:35
From: William Truitt
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

That's one of the reasons I stopped using Renner hammers.  Do a proper bore, and the tails are too short, even on some Steinways.  I thought adding length on the tails was a ridiculous necessity.  

What works for me is to score a line designating the length of a tail for each section.  I clamp a thick block of wood to the band saw table near the blade, finger clamp 4 hammers, lay them on the wood block, and cut them to length with the band saw.  The I go over to the belt sander and another clamped block, and lightly clean them up.

------------------------------
William Truitt RPT
Bridgewater NH
(603) 744-2277

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 15:50
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

My first inquiry was with Renner as I was ordering a set of hammers that needed Universal moldings, but they don't make one or they don't offer one for sale for this purpose. 

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 09:20
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2023 14:11
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Hi David,

The profile or actual size of the G3 and G4 hammers is the same. The G4 hammers are made from a denser sheet of felt, so the mass of felt fibers pressed into that same shape and contour is greater, which is why they weigh slightly more despite being the same physical size as the G3 hammers.

We appreciate your business and please let us know how else we can help.

------------------------------
Lloyd W. Meyer III "Chip"
General Manager
Renner USA
480-575-1700
www.rennerusa.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2023 01:14
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

Will, not really following why you stopped using Renner. They do offer a universal molding which needs to be cut to the desired length (which is what I'm using on this current project-a 70s Kawai). What they don't offer is s commercial jig for doing so this my post  

What prompted this was that this piano is a 26 bass piano and I prefer the G4 over the G3 for tonal reasons generally. In my opinion the pressing of the lower profile G3 hammer is too hard for that profile (another discussion and I'm curious of anyone else finds that to be true). But the G4 is really set up for a 20 bass piano. It does have exactly 26 bass hammers but I do like to have at least one extra hammer in each section-preferably more-as it seems like my table saw periodically eats one during the tapering process. 

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 19:35
From: William Truitt
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

That's one of the reasons I stopped using Renner hammers.  Do a proper bore, and the tails are too short, even on some Steinways.  I thought adding length on the tails was a ridiculous necessity.  

What works for me is to score a line designating the length of a tail for each section.  I clamp a thick block of wood to the band saw table near the blade, finger clamp 4 hammers, lay them on the wood block, and cut them to length with the band saw.  The I go over to the belt sander and another clamped block, and lightly clean them up.

------------------------------
William Truitt RPT
Bridgewater NH
(603) 744-2277

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 15:50
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

My first inquiry was with Renner as I was ordering a set of hammers that needed Universal moldings, but they don't make one or they don't offer one for sale for this purpose. 

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 09:20
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2023 14:11
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Chip

My recent experience with two sets I had in the shop was quite different. The G3 set was both smaller, lower profile (and lighter) and brighter, a firmer pressing, out of the box than the G4 set. Perhaps it was an anomaly but it's not the first time I've had that experience which has driven me to use the G4 hammer as my standard go to with the blue points  

Generally I've always found some variation from set to set in terms of firmness of the pressing requiring different levels of needling that is not attributable to differences in the impedance characteristics of the particular piano. 

Hi David,

The profile or actual size of the G3 and G4 hammers is the same. The G4 hammers are made from a denser sheet of felt, so the mass of felt fibers pressed into that same shape and contour is greater, which is why they weigh slightly more despite being the same physical size as the G3 hammers.

We appreciate your business and please let us know how else we can help.

------------------------------
Lloyd W. Meyer III "Chip"
General Manager
Renner USA
480-575-1700
www.rennerusa.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2023 01:14
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

Will, not really following why you stopped using Renner. They do offer a universal molding which needs to be cut to the desired length (which is what I'm using on this current project-a 70s Kawai). What they don't offer is s commercial jig for doing so this my post  

What prompted this was that this piano is a 26 bass piano and I prefer the G4 over the G3 for tonal reasons generally. In my opinion the pressing of the lower profile G3 hammer is too hard for that profile (another discussion and I'm curious of anyone else finds that to be true). But the G4 is really set up for a 20 bass piano. It does have exactly 26 bass hammers but I do like to have at least one extra hammer in each section-preferably more-as it seems like my table saw periodically eats one during the tapering process. 

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 19:35
From: William Truitt
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

That's one of the reasons I stopped using Renner hammers.  Do a proper bore, and the tails are too short, even on some Steinways.  I thought adding length on the tails was a ridiculous necessity.  

What works for me is to score a line designating the length of a tail for each section.  I clamp a thick block of wood to the band saw table near the blade, finger clamp 4 hammers, lay them on the wood block, and cut them to length with the band saw.  The I go over to the belt sander and another clamped block, and lightly clean them up.

------------------------------
William Truitt RPT
Bridgewater NH
(603) 744-2277

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 15:50
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

My first inquiry was with Renner as I was ordering a set of hammers that needed Universal moldings, but they don't make one or they don't offer one for sale for this purpose. 

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 09:20
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2023 14:11
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

While you are correct that there can be slight differences between hammer sets as these products are made from natural materials, our Renner USA shop technicians have worked with thousands of these over the years and they have not seen any obvious physical size differences between those two types of hammers.  The contours and profiles should mostly align as shown in these pictures.  

There are a few technicians who prefer a heavier and more dense hammer felt like the G4 type for smaller grand pianos, and we're always happy to provide whatever felt density our customers desire.  That's one of the reasons for the extra hammers we include in each set, and for the universal molding options that can but cut and coved as needed for any piano.

Please let us know if you have any questions or how else we can help, and thanks again for your business!

Chip

My recent experience with two sets I had in the shop was quite different. The G3 set was both smaller, lower profile (and lighter) and brighter, a firmer pressing, out of the box than the G4 set. Perhaps it was an anomaly but it's not the first time I've had that experience which has driven me to use the G4 hammer as my standard go to with the blue points  

Generally I've always found some variation from set to set in terms of firmness of the pressing requiring different levels of needling that is not attributable to differences in the impedance characteristics of the particular piano. 

Hi David,

The profile or actual size of the G3 and G4 hammers is the same. The G4 hammers are made from a denser sheet of felt, so the mass of felt fibers pressed into that same shape and contour is greater, which is why they weigh slightly more despite being the same physical size as the G3 hammers.

We appreciate your business and please let us know how else we can help.

------------------------------
Lloyd W. Meyer III "Chip"
General Manager
Renner USA
480-575-1700
www.rennerusa.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2023 01:14
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

Will, not really following why you stopped using Renner. They do offer a universal molding which needs to be cut to the desired length (which is what I'm using on this current project-a 70s Kawai). What they don't offer is s commercial jig for doing so this my post  

What prompted this was that this piano is a 26 bass piano and I prefer the G4 over the G3 for tonal reasons generally. In my opinion the pressing of the lower profile G3 hammer is too hard for that profile (another discussion and I'm curious of anyone else finds that to be true). But the G4 is really set up for a 20 bass piano. It does have exactly 26 bass hammers but I do like to have at least one extra hammer in each section-preferably more-as it seems like my table saw periodically eats one during the tapering process. 

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 19:35
From: William Truitt
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

That's one of the reasons I stopped using Renner hammers.  Do a proper bore, and the tails are too short, even on some Steinways.  I thought adding length on the tails was a ridiculous necessity.  

What works for me is to score a line designating the length of a tail for each section.  I clamp a thick block of wood to the band saw table near the blade, finger clamp 4 hammers, lay them on the wood block, and cut them to length with the band saw.  The I go over to the belt sander and another clamped block, and lightly clean them up.

------------------------------
William Truitt RPT
Bridgewater NH
(603) 744-2277

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 15:50
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

My first inquiry was with Renner as I was ordering a set of hammers that needed Universal moldings, but they don't make one or they don't offer one for sale for this purpose. 

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2023 09:20
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

I believe Renner has a few different hammer jigs. You might check with them to see if one is what you're looking for. 

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2023 14:11
From: David Love
Subject: Hammer molding trimming jig

I seem to have run into a string of pianos requiring universal moldings which required being cut to length.  I've always just done it on the fly but thought this would be an opportunity to buy or make a jig for this task.  Anyone have a clever (and simple) jig idea or know of one commercially available.  Table saw set up.  

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------