My thought was that the original spec for the tool was correct, but then they plated it. Removing the plating seemed to be just right.
Original Message:
Sent: 4/6/2025 4:23:00 PM
From: Scott Cole
Subject: RE: Poorly fitting Steinway flange tool
Fred,
Thanks. At first, I wasn't sure I could grind it enough, but with a Dremel and the right grinding head, it really didn't take too long. Maybe I spent a total of 10" grinding. Yes, this tool did come with one side with the tool you described for Yamaha.
I have many Steinway and Renner/Steinway flanges flanges of various vintages. The widest is right at .5", I have others that are .48". I suppose if the manufacturer had one of the narrower flanges on hand and based their dimension on that, they figured it would work for all of them.
Anyway, problem solved.
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Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-05-2025 19:14
From: Fred Sturm
Subject: Poorly fitting Steinway flange tool
Not fitting in which dimension?
The Steinway flange tools I have, I ground/filed both the inside and outside of the sides, essentially getting rid of the plating. That way it actually fit straddling the flange and also fit into the gaps between most of the flanges (some sections are just too tightly spaced). I purchased the full price version (it was a little cheaper then). I'll also note that Steinway flanges of different eras vary a wee bit in width, so your tool might fit some.
For the inside, I just used a file - rather tedious, but it can be done. I think putting it in a vice and using various Dremel grinder/sanders should also work. Taking it to the machine shop would negate your thriftiness, no? (Time is cheap :-))
There is another version that fits "fore/aft" as in a fork reaching across and straddling the portion of the flange with the birdseye, the other end needing to fit snugly on the flat front of the flange. That style is typically sold as being for Yamaha, but could work for Steinway with a bit of modification.
Regards,
Fred Sturm
http://fredsturm.net
www.artoftuning.com
"A mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." Plutarch
Original Message:
Sent: 4/5/2025 5:16:00 PM
From: Scott Cole
Subject: Poorly fitting Steinway flange tool
Greetings all,
Remember Click and Clack, the Car Talk guys? Their motto was, "The stingy man pays the most."
Since the price of the standard Schaff Steinway flange tool is is $140, I figured I'd try to same some $ by buying one for half the price on Ebay that was advertised as being for Steinway and Yamaha. However, the Steinway end is just slightly too small to fit a Steinway flange by about 3/100". I suppose I can try to return it and spring for the more expensive one, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and found a solution.
I don't think it can be bent, but I guess I can take it to a machine shop and see if they could grind out the inside dimensions a bit. Any other suggestions?
(And no, I don't think filing down every Steinway flange would be a great idea...)
Maybe some of these tools are ok, but for those considering buy one, I'd say don't waste your money. If you read one of my editorials a couple of years ago, you could call it "Rabbi money": I paid the Rabbi, and YOU learned the lesson!
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Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
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