Pianotech

  • 1.  What is this tool?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-11-2024 15:02
      |   view attached

    I received my Damper Action Install Tool Kit from WNG today (pink below).

     Damper Action Installation Tool Kit

    Wessell, Nickel & Gross remove preview
    Damper Action Installation Tool Kit
    Understanding that most piano rebuilders have little-to-no experience installing damper actions, Wessell, Nickel & Gross has developed a comprehensive set of tools and procedures to help them install a WNG Damper Action into any piano. The Damper Installation Kit includes a Damper Action Measuring Tool, a Damper Fl
    View this on Wessell, Nickel & Gross >


    It looks nice, I'm looking forward to trying it out. I received the following tools pictured below, the long white tool obviously not matching the items in the kit. I was not charged for an additional tool, nor can I find the white tool on their website. Any ideas what it is and why I might have received it?

    Thanks!



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


  • 2.  RE: What is this tool?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 12:44

    Hi Tim,

    That is WNG's Damper Pickup Half Stroke Gauge, which is part of the installation tool kit. In the link you provided above (Damper Action Installation Tool Kit) click on Product Info. This gauge is at the bottom of the list without a picture.




  • 3.  RE: What is this tool?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 12:49

    Hi Lyle, 

    The link you posted didn't work for me. I'm guessing you cut and pasted it. If you use the link icon in the format tool bar you can insert the link. 

    I've been wanting to try this kit! I'm looking forward to seeing more about it. 



    ------------------------------
    Ryan Sowers RPT
    Olympia WA
    (360) 480-5648
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: What is this tool?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 12:57
      |   view attached

    Hello Ryan and Tim,

    Sorry for the incorrect link. Attached is how the jig is utilized.

    WNG has all their PDF instructions in their FAQ page, here. This attached PDF is under Damper Action (Assembled) Installation.




  • 5.  RE: What is this tool?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 13:22

    Thank you so much, this is very helpful! This is my first time doing the WNG back action and it's definitely a little different. 



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



  • 6.  RE: What is this tool?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 13:26

    Very interesting! Just another example of how things are always more complicated than we first think!

    I found the contrast between the first paragraph and the last paragraph somewhat ironic, though.

    In theory, the underlever spoon should pick up on the key end felt so that 
    half way through the travel of the underlever spoon, the spoon pickup 
    point, the balance point of the key and the under lever center should fall 
    on a straight line.  
     
    This method is more elaborate, and somewhat more difficult.  However, when 
    the job is done, at least in theory, it should be better. 

    Then at the end there is a big caveat: 

    Caution! 
    This method, while controlling the relationship between the key and 
    underlever, can put the damper action either too low or high to work 
    properly.   Before adopting the half stroke method for locating your 
    damper action, be sure that that the damper system works in all aspects. 

    I'm assuming this has to do with the concept of the rotating friction as opposed to sliding friction with the spoon/key end felt relationship. We've seen underlevers that have dug trenches into key end felt, and the idea of reducing friction makes sense. But in the end it has to work! So much in piano work is compromise. 



    ------------------------------
    Ryan Sowers RPT
    Olympia WA
    (360) 480-5648
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: What is this tool?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-12-2024 13:40

    Yes I agree, this jig's goal is rotating friction over sliding friction like you said. WNG's caution paragraph makes sense to me with the various tolerances involved in Damper function.