Yesterdays post was changed.  The message was supposed to read that
water is the best wetting agent when applying graphite.  Alcohol is not
necessary as an agent and I did not wish to imply that it was or that
it should be mixed with water.  Plain old H2O -- by itself -- is all
that is needed to create an excellent bonding agent for the graphite.
I have been using this method for the past 35 years and it works
overtime!

Sonja Lemon
Lemon's Player Piano Service
Sacramento, CA

 [ Sorry, Sonja.  You said, "Those who use rubbing alcohol as
 [ a wetting agent are most likely to succeed."  Thanks for
 [ writing to explain.  Here is your previous email as received
 [ for publication in 000827 MMD :
 [
 [> Subject: Easy way to Apply Graphite
 [
 [> Much has been written on the application of graphite to reduce
 [> friction on wooden parts.  Most of the methods mention using
 [> alcohol.  Some people have good luck and others don't!  Those who
 [> use rubbing alcohol as a wetting agent are most likely to succeed.
 [> The reason this works is because rubbing alcohol is 30% water.
 [> In fact, it is the water that allows the graphite to bond and
 [> build up a film.  Next time you need to apply graphite, apply
 [> only a light coat of _water_ to dampen the clean wood surface,
 [> then apply microfine graphite with a hard felt (piano hammer
 [> felt).  All doubters should try this -- once!
 [
 [ -- Robbie