CAUT

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

Check the Journal circa 2010.

Ken Eschete wrote an article that included instructions for making an oblong tip tuning hammer.

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

Check the Journal circa 2010.

Ken Eschete wrote an article that included instructions for making an oblong tip tuning hammer.

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

Check the Journal circa 2010.

Ken Eschete wrote an article that included instructions for making an oblong tip tuning hammer.

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

From Ken's April 2009 article on epoxy consolidation of pinblocks. This question comes up often enough that it should be indexed and perhaps republished as a stand alone, or part of a larger article on historic tuning pins.

Making an Antique Tuning Pin

Start with cutting the correct length of drill rod. The diameter should be the diameter of the original pin or slightly larger. Put the tuning pin blank into the drill press and use a file to fashion a bullet shape on one end. Once the shape is established, use the file to reduce the diameter so that it is the same as one of the original pins. If the pin is tapered, copy that taper. Before removing the pin, add light threads by holding the file at a diagonal and taking a few final passes along the lower part of the pin. Forming the head is done by hammering the pin on an anvil, and finishing off the shape with a file. To keep hold of the pin during this part of the work, use a dowel with a hole drilled in the end as a pin vise. Once the pin is complete, heat it with a butane torch until its color turns blue, and quench it in water. This will harden the pin and "heat bluing" will prevent rust from forming.

Making a T-Hammer for Antique Pins

Following the procedure above, make the top part of a dummy tuning pin that has the same dimensions as the head of an original pin. Next, cut an 8" length of drill rod (the diameter depends on the size of the tuning pin), and chuck this into the drill press. Choose a drill that is slightly larger than the diameter of the tuning pin head, and clamp it vertically in a drill press vise. By lowering the turning rod onto the point of the stationary drill, centrifugal force will force the drill into the correct position to drill a hole into the exact center. Use cutting oil as a lubricant and drill to the desired depth.

Now for the fun part. Holding the drill rod with pliers, heat its end with a butane torch until it is cherry red. Quickly put the head of the dummy pin into the hole, and using a big hammer, smash the rod until the round hole has deformed into the shape of the tuning pin. Remove the dummy pin, reheat to cherry red and quench in water. Test the fit on the original pins, and clean up the outside shape with a file so that it will fit between the pins.

To make the handle, cut the rod to the desired length and file four flat spots on the end to make it square. The wooden handle can be turned out of some exotic wood, or can be as simple as a hardwood dowel. in the middle of the handle, drill a hole that is somewhat smaller than the squared-off end of the rod, and simply drive the "square peg into a round hole." Add a pin that runs through if necessary.

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Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2024 20:22
From: Fred Sturm
Subject: Oblong T hammer for early pianos

Check the Journal circa 2010.

Ken Eschete wrote an article that included instructions for making an oblong tip tuning hammer.

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

Fred,

I bought one from probably Ford Piano Supply when I was going to North Texas. APSCO and Schaff had them also.

You might reach out to Schaff and Pacific Piano Supply to see if they have any old stock. And maybe Jurgen?

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

Fred,

I bought one from probably Ford Piano Supply when I was going to North Texas. APSCO and Schaff had them also.

You might reach out to Schaff and Pacific Piano Supply to see if they have any old stock. And maybe Jurgen?

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

Fred,

I bought one from probably Ford Piano Supply when I was going to North Texas. APSCO and Schaff had them also.

You might reach out to Schaff and Pacific Piano Supply to see if they have any old stock. And maybe Jurgen?

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared. 

Fred,

I bought one from probably Ford Piano Supply when I was going to North Texas. APSCO and Schaff had them also.

You might reach out to Schaff and Pacific Piano Supply to see if they have any old stock. And maybe Jurgen?

Does anyone have a source for a T hammer made for early oblong tuning pins? Larger than the harpsichord ones (offered by Zuckermann and Harpsichord Clearing House). I used to know of a couple suppliers who would custom make to the size you needed, but they seem to have disappeared.