Testing With Incense
By Bob and Sonja Lemon
Hi All, Perhaps we should clarify some facts about the incense sticks. We use mild scented (cinnamon, apple, etc.) and non scented (when we can get them) which we purchase at craft shows. The potent ones are out -- allergy problems!
The incense test is just one of several tests we use when checking the tightness of a stack, both before rebuild and after rebuild. With the aid of an auxiliary variable speed vacuum pump, we use the incense sticks to get those insidious little leaks that haunt a rebuilder. Because of the noise of the vacuum unit tends to enter the stack, the use of a sound sensing device may not be dependable.
A stethoscope also will not pick up the sound of air passing through porous leather valve facings and gasketing. We have never seen any deposits of smoke residue after this type of testing. We have seen many pianos where the case and components were coated with tobacco tars and or coal tar (in English pianos <g> ), and still not any significant damage due to smoke.
If, on occasion, we need to use this test at a customers house, we always ask permission and explain the reason for its use. Usually the customer stands there transfixed while we do our checking. It has been a great diagnostic tool which helps to sell rebuild jobs, and improves customer confidence in our knowledge of how player mechanisms operate and where to look for problems.
Happy Testing!
Bob and Sonja Lemon
Lemon's Player Piano Service
Sacramento, CA |
(Message sent Fri 28 Feb 1997, 18:21:53 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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