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Profelt on new key bushings

  • 1.  Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 16:08

    Hello,

    I know some people who use Profelt (or equivalent) on new key bushings, others who don't. Up to this point I've not sized new bushings with Profelt, I only iron and ease a little if necessary, and coat with Teflon powder. What are your thoughts on the subject, either in favor or against?

    I've played a couple pianos with freshly treated new bushings. The key bushings felt just a little looser than I normally aim for, but they were very uniform.

     Thanks



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    Tim Foster RPT
    New Oxford PA
    (470) 231-6074
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  • 2.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 21:35
    I don't understand the point of using it on new bushings if they were glued in with the proper cauls...





  • 3.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 22:18

    Tim, 

    I do not use it on new bushings. If for some reason I need them more slippery I use powdered Teflon. The way I do use it is on slightly used bushings to close them up a little. Also, on well worn bushings when I just want them to feel a little better. I will use just a drop or two on each bushing and no caul. I also use it on the cloth core of knuckles (just a drop or two on each side) and reshape them by hand. Often they become highly usable again. 

    Once I tried it on a new set of bushings...they seemed to get hard so I have never done it since (possibly I used too much). 

    Easing of new bushings (if needed) I do with the Key Bushing Iron (which I developed BTW, along with the Bushmaster and Accu-cauls). 

    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: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-13-2024 08:07

    Do not forget sizing cauls.  Very important.



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    Parker Leigh RPT
    Winchester VA
    (540) 722-3865
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-13-2024 08:33

    Yes, of course!



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    Tim Foster RPT
    New Oxford PA
    (470) 231-6074
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-13-2024 09:22

    FYI, if your goal is simply to fluff things up (as is mine often) one drop at the business point on each bushing and no caul can make a "sizeable" difference. Experiment first. It will shrink back a little when dry. I use a very fine tipped "hypo-oiler" applicator bottle (that frequently clogs) that gives me excellent control (other than the annoying clogging) for a "drop". The stuff is powerful. Good on hammer lines too. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-14-2024 15:00
    Peter,
    What do mean by hammer lines to apply the profelt?

    Joe Wiencek


    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-14-2024 16:33

    Joe,

    String marks from light usage primarily. I have used it on string cuts as well but with limited success. After reshaping hammers they tend to be pretty bright (a generalization) so that's often a good time to put a small amount on the strike point. Always be conservative though. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-14-2024 17:02
    Ah, thanks for the clarification!

    Joe


    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Posted 07-14-2024 06:59
    Is Profelt available?
    Les Koltvedt
    (404) 631-7177
    LKPianos.com


    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-14-2024 08:23

    I don't think so, but both Supply 88 and Howard Piano Industries have a substitute.



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    Tim Foster RPT
    New Oxford PA
    (470) 231-6074
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    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-14-2024 09:04

    Schaff has "Felt Restorer"  AFAIK essentially the same stuff.

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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

    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Posted 07-14-2024 13:16
    Thank you gentlemen
    Les Koltvedt
    (404) 631-7177
    LKPianos.com


    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-16-2024 13:17
    Does Profelt have an expiration? 
    Just how long is the shelf life of this stuff?
    I'm also wondering how long does the positive effect on bushings  last ?

    Steve Blasyak 



    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-16-2024 19:40

    I am not aware of any expiration requirements. However, I would want to keep it from freezing (just in case).  My current supply has been around for quite some time but still works as designed.

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Profelt on new key bushings

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-19-2024 10:01

    My personal opinion is that teflon powder has no place in piano technology. Yes, I hear the argument "it must be properly used" but it rarely is. 

    teflon accumulation in action cavity.


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    Eric Johnson [RPT]
    [Eric Johnson Pianos]
    [Westport] [CT]
    www.ericjohnsonpianos.com
    One year older and dumber.
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