Pianotech

  • 1.  Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Posted 05-30-2023 14:46

    Doing a search here on "pinblock +drilling +humidity" confirmed my suspicion that drilling a new pinblock without mitigating high ambient humidity is a recipe for disappointment.

    So my question is, how do I, in fact, mitigate high ambient humidity.

    Let's imagine for the moment that I can install a dehumidifier in my university shop and bring the room humidity down from, say, 55 to 60% RH to about 35% RH.  I would consider that a good start.  But the pinblock has been sitting in the shop for a while now, and I suspect wood moisture content will be higher that optimum.

    In preparing for a Fandrich "Last Resort Soundboard Repair" I draped the piano in moving blankets and activated four Dampp-Chaser dehumidifier bars  underneath it.  I was able feel warmth on the top of the board, so I figured I was at least moving in the right direction, humidity wise, for that project.

    I suppose I could build another tent with sawhorses and blankets and try to dry down the pinblock in that kind of contraption, but I'm guessing.  I would like to get this project moving along this summer if I can, so I will welcome any suggestions you might offer.



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    Floyd Gadd RPT
    Regina SK
    (306) 502-9103
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  • 2.  RE: Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Posted 05-31-2023 11:15
    Hi Floyd,
    I would consider where this piano is going to live and how it differs from the 55 RH environment it's in now. 
    I don't think drilling a block that has stabilized in a room for some time at 55 RH is a bad idea. I like to drill a block that has been in the shop for months.
    Now, if it's going to a dry climate that might be something to consider but it would take months I believe to bring that block down. 1 1/2 inches of maple is much different from a third of an inch of spruce. Heating an old soundboard to open cracks for shiming is entirely different.
    I hope this helps.

    Virus-free.www.avg.com





  • 3.  RE: Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Posted 05-31-2023 11:47

    Ambient humidity swings from around 20% in the winter to 60% and higher in the summer.  Piano is equipped with a Damppchaser and an undercover, but the front lid is usually open, and without a cover that hinders the movement of air between the lid and the outer rim, even when everything is closed, the pin block is subjected to significant humidity swings.



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    Floyd Gadd RPT
    Regina SK
    (306) 502-9103
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  • 4.  RE: Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Posted 05-31-2023 12:12
    I think this is kind of making a mountain out of a mole hill type scenario.. I do about 2 blocks a month and this has never been an issue, and Tennessee fluctuates pretty good. The humidity concern mostly resides with the block's manufacturer. After its made, I can't see it moving much.

    -chris






  • 5.  RE: Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Member
    Posted 05-31-2023 15:03

     60% humidity and above is out of the safety zone of 40-50% Dampp Chaser uses in their literature . we do not have harsh winters here and 20% would be rare. However that is not to say a piano owner can use a gas log or wood fire place and change the playing field. A woolen string cover may help with taming humidity to a degree since wool absorbs moisture. Covers certainly keep the strings, sound boards, dampers, action clean and also cover the tuning pin webbing area.
    I agree with Chris . The pin block is pretty stable or should be if you are concerned about how much moisture is in it take readings with a moisture meter.  I think you are over thinking this. It is important to select the proper drill bit and change it out as it wears. Trying to ,modify the room r/h probably not a good idea and can cause lots of issues. I had to rebuild a lyre because the house had to have the air sucked out after a burst washer hose flooded it. The company set up a tent enclosure to create a negative air chamber. The wood used to make the block probably already was subjected to air drying and kiln drying



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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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  • 6.  RE: Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-31-2023 23:13

    I could be wrong, but it would seem that the type of pinblock could be part of the discussion. I would imagine that a Delignit or Falconwood with all the glue is not as affected as a five ply maple pinblock.



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    Tim Foster
    New Oxford PA
    (470) 231-6074
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  • 7.  RE: Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Posted 06-01-2023 00:00

    It is the maple. I am going to do a moisture content analysis, and go from there.



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    Floyd Gadd RPT
    Regina SK
    (306) 502-9103
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  • 8.  RE: Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-01-2023 11:01

    If you are drilling the pinblock out of the piano after careful fitting to the case and markoff of tp holes  seal with benite and marine varnish.  When  dry

    place in a hot box until ready to drill. Use a vortex chiller to keep drill bit cool.



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    Parker Leigh
    Winchester VA
    (540) 722-3865
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  • 9.  RE: Pinblock Drilling and Humidity

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-01-2023 18:47
    Keep in mind that the drill size for Delignit or Falconwood is much closer to the diameter of the tuning pin.

    I have found that stringing as soon after drilling is a good idea as the newly drilled holes allow a fast change of moisture content, especially from a dry midwest US winter going into spring and humid summer.

    Broken tuning pins are not fun!

    Jonathan Moberg
    Registered Piano Technician
    Moberg Piano Sales & Service
    414-962-2227