In response to Eliyahu Shahar:
Planning ahead: materials to ease removal of striking pneumatics.
I have encountered several different materials used as gaskets to ease
removal of pneumatics in future restorations.
Ampico used cheese cloth. That seems to be the best choice, but I am
not sure how effective it is. Some can be rather stubborn to remove.
Some Duo-Art striking pneumatics were applied with pouch leather. I
have seen some that fell off and required re-gluing.
Others use packing leather for larger pneumatics. In these cases the
gaskets were not only glued, but screwed in place. I think this is
acceptable; but when no screws are used, it is better not to use any
gaskets.
One person, thinking he was being thoughtful, used thin cardboard. This
turned out to be a disaster, and nearly all of the pneumatics fell off
with light pressure, and caused more problems than if the cardboard had
not been used.
I think if I were restoring a player stack today, I would use hot glue
and not be concerned about sandwiching anything between the glue joint
to make it easier for future restoration. Hot-glue joints are fairly
easy to break, using the correct tools. Better to have them adhere
tightly than take a chance on having them fall off.
Seeburg was notorious for nearly impossible pneumatic removal, yet if
one is experienced in breaking these glue joints -- using a chisel the
same width of the pneumatic, laid perfectly parallel to the pneumatic
and given a sharp tap with a small hammer from each end -- the
pneumatics usually can be removed without much difficulty. If they
break, they can be glued together or the bottom can easily be replaced.
Placing the pneumatic in a freezing cold place overnight also can make
the job easier. In my case, I have an unheated enclosed porch which, in
winter, is ideal for freezing glue joints.
Bruce Clark
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