> Use a jack-in-the-box or similar to lift the legs off the doly one by one.
NO! If you are going to take the piano off the dolly, yes, you need to do it one leg at a time. But you absolutely must put a blocks under the dolly on the outside of the wheels to prevent the dolly from popping up when all the weight of the piano is moved to the legs still on the dolly. Isaac showed us how to do this once because it's so easy to get hurt if you don't.
By outside of the wheel I mean under the dolly on the side of the dolly that extends away from the center and out into the room. Put the block under the dolly and right under the leg itself. The cup the leg sits in is usually on the outside of the dolly from the wheel. Use a wood block, or something, and make sure it is snug in place. You want as little play as possible between the support block under the leg where it sits on the dolly. Block up two of the legs and then use the jack-in-the-box the lift the third leg. Once that leg it safely back on the floor, the wheel from that side of the dolly will likely be a bit off the floor. Even if possible, don't try to remove the remaining blocks. Leave the blocks in place and jack up a second leg. Once that leg is safely on the floor you will now have two wheels that may be slightly off the floor. the only thing preventing them from just suddenly popping up is now that block under the remaining leg. Once you have that third leg lifted you can now safely remove the dolly from under the piano.
IMPORTANT! Make sure you follow this same procedure, in reverse, to put the piano back on the dolly. If you don't it's extremely likely that the dolly will pop up when the weight of the piano is put on to that first leg as it's lowered back on to the dolly. Lift up the first leg and slide the dolly under the piano. Get the cup lined up with the leg and put that block underneath the dolly directly under the leg. Lower the piano back down. Notice that the other two sides of the dolly will probably rise a bit, depending on how much space you allowed between the block and the underside of the dolly. Now do the same thing with leg number 2. After you get leg number three safely back in place you will now be able to remove the blocks.
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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-07-2023 01:24
From: Nate Reyburn
Subject: Install a Dampp-Chaser over a Spider Dolly
Remove the pedals. Use a jack-in-the-box or similar to lift the legs off the doly one by one. Now you can install the Dampp Chaser without obstruction, and as a bonus you're a bit closer with the legs sitting on the floor without casters. Reinstall is just as easy. I'd definitely charge something extra whatever way you end up going with this one. You either do some extra work, or you put up with extra pain.
Nate Reyburn, RPT
nate@reyburntools.com
(616) 696-0500
Original Message:
Sent: 8/6/2023 5:55:00 PM
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Install a Dampp-Chaser over a Spider Dolly
In a few weeks, I have a Dampp-Chaser installation on a Yamaha grand (C7) that's on a spider dolly. I've installed Dampp-Chasers many times before and am perfectly comfortable doing that. However, the spider dolly adds a new layer of complexity to the situation. I won't be able to lay flat on my back like I'm used to.
Has anyone here dealt with this before? If so, what advice do you have?
Thanks in advance,
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
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