> ... where would be a good place to go for pre-punched valve leathers?
I can make valve facings most sizes for less than Player Piano Co.
did. You would have to get and send me the leather to punch them from.
I can send you back what leather I don't use for your job. Mike Madeira,
Leather Supply House, has a great selection of leathers to choose from.
I came up with a great tool for punching the center hole in valve facings
which many player piano rebuilders bought from me and are currently
using. I also have a great 'set up' for punching the outside diameters
as well. Sorry, I am no longer selling this tool.
Durrell Armstrong's death is a big blow to player rebuilding; we will
have to find ways to replace what has been lost to us. My advice to
hobbyist rebuilders is to make up a business card which says you are
a piano technician (if you don't already have one) and open an account
at Schaff Piano Supply.
Bill Maguire
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