Harp Arm Repair
Basic Instructions:
-Be sure to read and understand all the instructions before starting.
If you have any questions, please contact us to clarify the issue (321/724-1477).
Don’t just charge into the project. Take your time, the results
will be worth it.
-Safety first. Read and understand the safety and warning labels on any
chemicals or tools you may use. Always wear eye protection. A filtered
air mask should be worn when you sand or work with fumes. If you are concerned
about splinters, please wear an appropriate type of glove to protect your
hands.
-Keep your work area clear of debris. This process generates many small
bits of wood, nails, and glue, any of which can damage your harp. Clean
your work area frequently, and be careful of debris on the floor and underfoot.
-Assemble all your materials and equipment before starting. Get everything
ready first to avoid costly mistakes. Walk yourself through the process
once or twice, so that you know when you will need each item. Again, take
your time.
Required Materials, And Their Use
One Harp Kit, Broken Arm
1/4inch Drill Bit and Electric Drill-Make sure your drill bit is longer
than the hole you intend to bore.
¼ inch diameter Threaded Stainless Steel Rod, and 2 Nuts (Washers
Optional)
2 Socket wrenches-For tightening nuts.
Wood Chisel- 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch wide, To shape recess for bolts and
nuts
Hammer- This can come in handy when inserting the steel rod
2 Part Epoxy- “2 ton” type of epoxy, with a minimum working
time of 20 minutes.
Dremel Motor Tool, with Grinding Tip- For reducing the profile of the
rod or nuts.
Amber (Orange) Shellac or Clear Shellac- amber will blend with the existing
finish, but clear will work as well, apply with a brush, or use a spray
can.
Wood Putty- To level recessed areas after repair is finished.
To Repair Broken Arm
-Remove tension from strings. Unstring if desired for extra working
room.
-Make sure the break is free of debris and loose material that may
prevent closure.
-Decide on best angle for bore hole, keeping it centered and making
sure you leave space to recess the nuts on the ends of the rod.
*Note: Remember that the hardware of the harp does run through the
harp arm. When choosing the drilling line, adjust so you won’t
bore through tuning pins or screws.
-Bore hole using the ¼ inch drill bit, being sure to keep
it straight and centered.
-Use the chisel to open the area around the holes, both top and
bottom, to allow for your nuts to be recessed, and for your socket
wrenches to fit around the nuts.
-Cut your stainless steel rod to the desired length, leaving an
extra inch or two. The extra length can be ground down after the
repair is finished.
-Place one nut on the end of the rod.
-Mix up plenty of the 2 part epoxy. Force the epoxy into the crack,
and into the drill hole. Coat the rod with the epoxy as well.
-Slide the rod into the hole until it is snug. Screw nut onto second
end.
-Use socket wrenches to tighten the nuts at the same time. As it
tightens down, the crack should begin to compress and close.
*Note: If the crack does not close completely, that is okay. The
epoxy will act as a filler.
-When you can not tighten the bolts anymore, Set aside the harp
and let the epoxy dry.
- If needed, use a Dremel tool with a grinding head to shape down
any part of the rod or nuts that may not be flush or recessed into
the harp.
-Fill in the recesses with wood putty or similar filler to level
off the holes. An option, if desired, is to hide the repaired areas
using wood veneer.
-Refinishing should be done using shellac. Other finishes may not
be compatible with the existing finish. |
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