In answer to Mark Williamson's question about treating woodworm in his
piano, I can do no better than reproduce a short article on the subject
written by Boz Oram a few years ago for 'Vox Humana', the magazine of
the Mechanical Organ Owners' Society.

  "Have you ever had that terrible thought of what lurks behind those
marvellous panels that frame your lovely mechanical organ?  Sometimes
it's a good idea to just have a look and see what's going on.  In most
cases there is nothing to worry about, but on the other hand, wow!
It's just as well you looked.  Woodworm holes with dust are the
tell-tale signs that something is a bit amiss with your pride and joy.
I hasten to add that it is not only confined to older instruments --
it can also attack more modern ones, especially as there are more
prevalent strains of these critters around.

  How you tackle the problem depends on the size of the affected piece
and the severity of the infestation: -

1. For small pieces (so long as there is no metal in the wood) then
it is possible to "nuke" them in the microwave.  Just a few seconds
is needed -- do not overcook them!

2. If you are in the process of a reconstruction programme, then you
can place the offending parts into an air-tight bag and set off a gas
type "bomb".  This leaves a film on the surface, but also gets into the
wood and kills the offending little creatures.  This was how my
Clemente piano-forte was cured of worm.  It was also left in the bag
for well over 6 months for extra penetration; nothing has returned in
20-odd years.

3. Soak the wood in Cuprinol. The Turk that stands at the front of
Sharahazad was done this way. I had reason to repair some of the
"little man" not so long ago and found that this figure has more holes
than wood holding him together!  He was soaked for one week and then
left to drain for two months before any restoration work was done.

4. Cuprinol woodworm killer can be used.  Recently I had to get rid of
some of those little critters and found this efficient killer most
useful.  It comes in a pressurised container with a cone shaped nozzle
that fits quite easily into the exterior holes.  It has deep
penetration and injects well into the wood and also kills the larvae
and eggs.

5. For those difficult places, you can resort to using a syringe and
fill it up with a liquid agent such as 4.

  In all applications, sensible safety precautions must be adhered to,
such as goggles and adequate ventilation.  Most "cures" have safety
instructions printed on their packaging.  It is advisable to adhere
to them -- they are there for your benefit."

For those outside the UK I should explain that 'Cuprinol' is a
manufacturer of wood treatment products.  Your local do-it-yourself
store should stock similar products.  Also, 'Sharahazad' is the name
of Boz Oram's Hooghuys organ.

Jeremy Brice
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, U.K.

 [ The article by Boz Oram in 'Vox Humana' is reproduced with
 [ the friendly permission of MOOS.  -- Robbie