Painting by Immersion and by Compressed Air: A Practical Handbook

by Arthur Seymour Jennings

By this method an absolutely even distribution of varnish is always secured; no part of the piano case is neglected and an enormous reduction in the cost of varnishing is effected. The factory output can be readily increased as desired, as the varnish working force of the factory can do as much or as little work as trade conditions may demand.

The mechanical details have been so perfected that every kind of instrument can be handled satisfactorily.

The excellence of the finishing done in accordance with this system is attributable to a large extent to its mechanical construction. The apparatus used in connection with the Standard method of piano finishing consists, in the first place, of a steel tank for the varnish with an adjustable cover which can be locked when the apparatus is not in operation, a hydraulic lift for raising the work slowly out of the varnish, a small horse-power pump which is operated either by steam pressure or compressed air, and in extreme emergencies where the pressure is not adequate for heavy work, a small motor for operating the pump.

There is also installed an apparatus similar to the automatic sprinkler system. A fusible link or another mechanical device makes it possible to draw off the varnish into a tank outside the main buildings at will, and for protection in case a fire should take place in any other part of the building.

The principal investment for the piano manufacturer is the carriers or racks for holding the separate pieces. The cases are held firmly in the carriers by means of springs which are adjusted for the introductory carrier, or secured by screws in the permanent carrier which is designed for keeping the cases in the carrier until they are ready for rubbing. This latter method saves the labour of handling.

Fig. 23.—Automatic Finishing of Pianos.
Introductory Carrier ready for Parts to be Varnished.

Carriers filled with work to be varnished are raised from the floor, swung directly over the tank, and lowered into the varnish by means of an hydraulic lift. The speed with which the work is raised from the varnish is controlled by a lever conveniently located for the operator.