Pianotech

  • 1.  Marking a pinblock for drilling.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-09-2023 12:18

    I will be drilling a pinblock, shortly, for a piano that is not set up for tuning pin bushings.  This will be my first time drilling in this configuration.

    I am considering how best to mark the block in preparation for drilling.  I want to avoid having any of the pins rubbing against the plate, at least for the first several decades. 

    I have a set of transfer punches, so I have a choice of diameters.My first thought was to choose the largest punch that would fit in the plate holes (bass and low tenor holes are .325" and the rest are .375") and to angle the punch so that it leans away from the keyboard end of the plate, in other words, the opposite direction to which the tuning pins will lean.  This morning it occurred to me that it might make sense to choose a slightly smaller punch, same lean, and thus place the marks a little closer to the keyboard edge of the block, My idea is to position the hole so as to slightly compensate for the tilting force that the string will exert on the pin.

    Thoughts and advice?



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    Floyd Gadd RPT
    Regina SK
    (306) 502-9103
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  • 2.  RE: Marking a pinblock for drilling.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-09-2023 13:21
    Floyd

    I used a drill bit that was the same diameter as the hole. Use a slow speed on the drill, and wrap masking tape on the drill so that the tape hits the plate when the drill has made a 1/8" dimple in the block. I got so fast doing this, that I was able to do this in less than 10 minutes. 

    This not only puts a dimple in the middle of the plate hole, but it also cleaned up the sides of the hole. I've never had a problem with the pins touching the sides of the plate. 

    Wim





  • 3.  RE: Marking a pinblock for drilling.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-09-2023 17:37

    sense to choose a slightly smaller punch, same lean, and thus place the marks a little closer to the keyboard edge of the block, My idea is to position the hole so as to slightly compensate for the tilting force that the string will exert on the pin.

    Thoughts and advice?

    Floyd, this is what I have done for decades. One size smaller than the full fit punch, pressed against the proximal side of the hole. 5° angle on the hole bore. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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


  • 4.  RE: Marking a pinblock for drilling.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-11-2023 17:13
    I second Peter.  That's the same way I've done it for years.  



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Marking a pinblock for drilling.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-09-2023 17:34

    I like to lean the transfer punch slightly toward the agraffes.  That way the tuning pins will be aligned slightly front of center.  Drill at 7 degrees back tilt.

    I learned this during a pinblock course with Wally Brooks in 1981.



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    Parker Leigh
    Winchester VA
    (540) 722-3865
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  • 6.  RE: Marking a pinblock for drilling.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-12-2023 11:13

    I started at 7° initially (based on things I read), decided it was too much for me and graduated to 6° which seemed better, but then read that SS used 5° so I reduced to 5° and I have liked that the best, therefore I have stuck with it ever since.  The only exception being an Ivers & Pond (IIRC) with a slanted PB that required a significant forward adjustment. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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


  • 7.  RE: Marking a pinblock for drilling.

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-13-2023 01:04

    Been a while but I always scored the block with a drill bit the same size as the plate holes. Then set the block for 5 degree drilling..



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    Tremaine Parsons RPT
    Georgetown CA
    (530) 333-9299
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Marking a pinblock for drilling.

    Posted 08-15-2023 10:26

    What's up with any set drilling angle? Don't ya'll just take an assessment of the incoming string angle and then adjust drilling angle accordingly?



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    Terry Farrell
    Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
    Brandon, Florida
    terry@farrellpiano.com
    813-684-3505
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    Original Message