How does one secure the felt in place while the glue dries?

I use hot hide glue, so just finger pressure for a few seconds does the trick. No glue where the capstan contacts the cloth, only at each end. Hope that helps.

Thanks Jean, I use hide glue as well and considered that technique but I thought the felt needed to be stretched under more tension. Maybe not.

It sure has to be cut exactly to the slot. On the short side is even better. Half a millimetre. Then you can actually stretch it somewhat with finger pressure as the glue dries. I also like to put the glue on the vertical edge as well. All the best.

I don't know if you use a guillotine to cut the cloth . If you do, keep the pieces the same side up.

The side that is more cleanly cut (beginning of the cut) goes at the bottom of the slot. This helps to stretch the cloth evenly.

Push your thumb in the centre where there is no glue and squish hard, then use your other hand with two fingers to push the ends in the slot.

Anyways, that's how I do it. If other techs have a different procedure, it would make for a nice thread!!!

All the best.

Sometimes, a clothespin can help to keep the stretched cloth in place while the hide glue gels. You may need to cut/sand off the tip of the clothespins.

Good idea, like an extra finger, and not too expensive!

I used cauls shaped to press on the edges and it worked relatively well for 8-10 whippens (with wood presses)

But a neat and simple method consist to glue only the white cloth, protecting the center part from glue (parrafin for instance, use the good glue quality and quantity, only on the extremities)

Then insert the strip of bushing cloth, it will add tension.

Hide glue is of course the ideal glue for those jobs
And hide glue add stretch when it sets

The stress on the cloth (and the cloth quality) are the way to a good result on that part. when no undercloth is used, hide glue is enough

Glue one side first, then

Agreed but careful when an undercloth is used, then the cloth is exactly the lenght of the hole, in my opinion.

possibly traces of soft pva glue (for tissue or books) can be used to be sure the undercloth will not move later.
originally it is often not really glued, but traces of glue from the cloth allow the undercloth to be secure.

A gooc whippen heel make wonder for the touch.
The cloth will adopt the shape of the capstan anyway we cannot believe there will be a retained profile, but if the cloth is too soft and not tense a mushy touch will happen.

Too soft can be corrected with hammer impregnation solution, or the recipe of the hat makers, arabian gum and alcohool

Hi guys ! I find again that video where you can see a convenient method for vertical pianos.



I asked about the cleaning of wood (bleach ?) it seems more as glass bead blasting dont you think so ?