очень порой непросто удалить колок из пианино, использую обычный классический Т-бар. В этой статье Максимилльян подробно объясняет физику явлений происходящих в пинблоке. А, также даёт подробный совет, КАК сделать самостоятельно Колесо Макса из простых подручных средств,,,
Minimizing Pinblock Damage During Piano Tuning Pin Replacement: Scientific Justification for the “Max Wheel” Tool
The piano tuning pinblock is a critical structural component, typically made of laminated hardwood, designed to securely hold the tuning pins and maintain the tension of the strings. Over time, several factors can contribute to the loosening of tuning pins and the subsequent loss of their ability to maintain proper tension:
Elliptical Hole Formation: Ellipsoidal deformation of the pinblock holes is unavoidable, even in new pianos, due to the standard application of approximately 100 kg of external force per pin. This deformation gradually degrades the pinblock material, expanding the ellipse of the hole until it reaches a critical point where the pin can no longer maintain standard string tension.
Wood Degradation: Fluctuations in humidity and temperature cause the wood of the pinblock to expand and contract. This repeated cycling can lead to the gradual breakdown of the wood fibers surrounding the tuning pin holes, effectively enlarging the holes and reducing the grip on the pins.
Pin Corrosion: Corrosion on the surface of the tuning pins themselves can reduce friction and create irregularities that prevent a tight fit within the pinblock. The corrosion products can also act as an abrasive, further wearing down the wood.
Excessive Tuning: Frequent or aggressive tuning, especially in pianos with already weakened pinblocks, can accelerate the loosening process. The repeated application of torque to the pins can exacerbate existing damage and deform the pinblock material.
Age and Material Fatigue: Over decades of use, the materials in the pinblock can simply fatigue and lose their ability to maintain their original dimensions and strength.
The negative consequences of loose tuning pins extend beyond just an out-of-tune instrument. Untenable tuning can:
Damage the Instrument’s Sound Quality: Loose pins lead to unstable tuning, making the piano sound dissonant and unpleasant. This negatively impacts musical performance and enjoyment.
Cause Further Damage: Constant attempts to tune a piano with loose pins can put excessive stress on other components, such as the strings and the frame. This can lead to further damage and costly repairs.
Reduce the Instrument’s Value: A piano with chronic tuning problems is significantly devalued. Restoring proper tuning stability often requires extensive and expensive repairs.
Make the Instrument Unplayable: In severe cases, loose pins can make the piano completely unplayable.
This article focuses specifically on the process of replacing tuning pins as a method to address these problems. While routine tuning is essential for maintaining a piano’s sound, it is not a solution for pins that have lost their ability to hold a tune due to the degradation of the pinblock. We will explore methods that minimize further damage during the replacement process.
When a piano’s tuning pins become too loose to hold a stable tune, several options exist:
Pin Replacement: This is generally considered the most reliable and long-term solution for restoring tuning stability. It involves removing the old, worn pins and replacing them with new, slightly oversized pins that will grip the pinblock more tightly.
Advantages: Provides a long-lasting solution, restores the instrument’s tuning stability, can be performed without removing the pinblock from the piano.
Disadvantages: Requires specialized tools and techniques, can be time-consuming and potentially damage the pinblock if not performed carefully.
Shimming: This involves inserting thin strips of material (shims) between the pin and the pinblock to increase the pin’s diameter and create a tighter fit. Corrugated cardboard (3mm), dried reeds glued together with PVA glue, and ordinary tarpaulin have proven to be the most effective shimming materials.
Advantages: Less invasive than pin replacement, can be a quick and relatively inexpensive solution.
Disadvantages: Often a temporary fix, may not provide long-term stability, can damage the pinblock if too much material is used.
Pinblock Replacement: In cases of severe pinblock damage, the entire pinblock may need to be replaced.
Advantages: Restores the instrument to its original condition, provides the most long-term solution.
Disadvantages: A very expensive and complex repair, requires significant disassembly of the piano.
This article focuses on pin replacement. Shimming is only briefly mentioned as an acceptable temporary fix.
3. “Max Wheel” - a detailed overview:
The “Max Wheel” is a specialized tool designed to facilitate the removal and insertion of piano tuning pins with greater control and reduced risk of damage to the pinblock. The tool aims to offer a more controlled and mechanically advantageous approach compared to traditional methods.
However, to reiterate: this article specifically focuses on the application of the “Max Wheel” tool during the critical process of pin replacement. It isn’t a general overview of the tool. We will delve into the reasons why its design and function are beneficial during this specific piano maintenance task.
4. Materials and Manufacturing (as simple and accessible as possible):
Emphasize the “do it yourself” principle and the availability of materials.
Socket head (indicate that even an 8-sided one will fit).
Lever arm: any cylindrical objects (PVC pipe, metal rod, etc.).
Wheel: any plumbing valve (or other suitable wheel).
Brief description of the assembly process.
5. Scientific Justification of the Advantages of the “Max Wheel” for Piano Pin Replacement
This section is dedicated to the scientific justification of the advantages of using the “Max Wheel” for replacing piano tuning pins, with an emphasis on minimizing damage to the pinblock.
5.1. Advantages of extracting a tuning pin with the “Max Wheel” compared to extraction with a T-bar wrench
The traditional method of extracting a tuning pin with a T-bar wrench presents several problems:
Uneven load distribution: When using a T-bar, the force is applied unevenly, which can lead to tilting of the pin and damage to the walls of the hole in the pinblock.
High risk of “stripping” the pin’s flanks: With insufficient force or wear on the pin’s flanks, the wrench can “strip” the flanks, which makes extraction difficult and may require the use of more aggressive methods.
Difficulty controlling the force: It is difficult to accurately control the force applied to the pin, which can lead to excessive pressure on the pinblock and its damage.
Using the “Max Wheel” solves these problems:
Even load distribution: The wheel provides a more even distribution of the load on the pin, reducing the risk of tilting and damage to the pinblock. This is especially important when replacing tightly fitting pins.
Increase in torque: Due to the longer lever arm, the “Max Wheel” allows a greater torque to be applied with the same force, which reduces the risk of “stripping” the pin’s flanks. This effect can be explained using the laws of mechanics: torque (T) is equal to the product of force (F) and the lever arm (r): T = F * r. Increasing the lever arm (r) increases the torque (T) with the same force (F).
Precise control of force: Using the wheel allows more precise control of the force applied to the pin, which reduces the risk of damage to the pinblock.
5.2. Advantages of controlled insertion of a tuning pin with the “Max Wheel”
The process of inserting a new tuning pin also requires accuracy and control. Hammering the pin in, as is sometimes practiced, can lead to serious damage to the pinblock:
Splitting of the wood: The impact load can lead to splitting of the pinblock wood, especially if the wood is dry or has defects.
Deformation of the hole: The impact load can deform the hole in the pinblock, which will lead to a loose fit of the pin and reduce its effectiveness.
Damage to adjacent pins: The impact load can be transmitted to adjacent pins, which can lead to their loosening.
Using the “Max Wheel” avoids these problems:
Smooth screwing: The “Max Wheel” provides a smooth and controlled screwing of the pin, which reduces the risk of damage to the pinblock.
Precise control of tightening torque: With the “Max Wheel”, you can accurately control the tightening torque of the pin, which avoids overtightening and damage to the pinblock.
5.3. Justification of the effectiveness of using shims
Shimming increases pin diameter by adding a thin strip (shim) between the pin and pinblock hole. This restores a tight fit, and its effectiveness is scientifically justifiable.
The friction force (Ffr) is proportional to the normal force (N) and the coefficient of friction (μ):
Increasing pin diameter with a shim increases the normal force (N), thus increasing friction (Ffr).
It is important to note that the choice of shim material also affects the force of friction. The shim material must have a sufficiently high coefficient of friction with the wood of the pinblock and the pin…
6. Practical Recommendations:
Choosing the appropriate size of the socket head.
Preparing the pin (cleaning, but not required).
Carefully unscrewing the old pin.
Carefully screwing in the new pin using the “Max Wheel”.
Controlling the tightening torque (important to prevent overtightening).
Recommendations for using shims (if necessary).
Cardboard shims of 3mm, as well as tarpaulin and homemade glued dried reeds, cut at 45 degrees, have proven themselves well.
Replacing piano tuning pins is a responsible procedure that requires accuracy and professionalism. Using barbaric methods, such as hammering a pin, can lead to serious damage to the pinblock and shorten the life of the instrument.
The “Max Wheel” tool presented in this article is an accessible and effective alternative to traditional methods. It minimizes the risk of pinblock damage due to more even load distribution, increased torque and precise force control.
The “Max Wheel” is not just a tool, it is a fundamentally new approach to replacing piano tuning pins. Unlike a T-wrench, where friction between the pin and the socket faces is more of an obstacle, the “Max Wheel” uses this friction as an assisting force to hold the pin. A tight socket installation on the pin provides a more secure grip and reduces the risk of damage to the pin faces and the walls of the hole in the pinblock.
Thus, the use of the “Max Wheel” not only improves the quality of piano repair, but also extends its service life.
Summary from the point of view of physical phenomena:
The effectiveness of the “Max Wheel” is based on simple physical principles:
Increasing the torque (T = F * r) allows you to apply more force with less stress on the pinblock.
More even load distribution reduces stress concentration in the pinblock.
Controlling the tightening torque avoids overtightening the pin.
Using the friction between the pin and the socket as an assisting force provides a more secure grip and reduces the risk of damage to the pin faces and the walls of the hole in the pinblock.
