I think that we are all greatly indebted to Craig Brougher for his
terrific treatise on hot hide glue.  I guess that most of us have
probably encountered loose joints in furniture glued with PVA at some
time.

I have no problems with hot hide glue (I was taught with it at
college) but simply like to keep my options open.  If this upsets
the purists then I am sorry, but my prime objectives when restoring
are to do a solid, reliable job that will stand the test of time,
whilst enabling the next guy to do a similar one with minimal hassle.
However, I accept that knowledge and experience is the key to a solid
job and I am grateful for Craig's expert advice.

I would like to pose a couple of questions,  that perhaps are more
relevant to the UK rather than the USA, but I would be grateful for
the experience of others.

Firstly, a glue that I use for soft goods on piano actions and for
covering pneumatics on players: Copydex.  It is a glue for hobbyists,
advertised for use where the application involves paper, card, wood,
cork, fabric, leather or canvas.  It is easy to apply and safe to use.
I have had good results with it in terms of ease of rebuilding and
neatness of work, but am slightly concerned as to its long term
effectiveness.  Opinions from other UK restorers are welcomed.

Secondly, as far as the speaking pneumatics are concerned, to what
extent is gluing direct really necessary? If ease of future restoration
is an issue, would it not be better (and easier) to install gaskets?
If they are appropriate to some actions (e.g. Appa), why not all?

Copydex is brilliant for gluing leather to wood, and I am tempted to
use very thin leather gaskets on all actions for the mounting of the
small bellows.

Any problems with that?

Roger Waring
The Pianola Workshop
Solihull, England
pianolas@dial.pipex.com