150 year old piano

**Rollyrogers33** · 01-13-2014, 01:40 AM

Drove out to a friends house where they have dismantled a piano. They are using the wood to build a table. I got all the screws and bolts off and the metal bracket won't budge from the wood. The lady had two work benches full of tools and some really awesome power tools that she let me use. I am going back next weekend to get it one way or another.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8a58c0da.jpg

**jennija** · 01-13-2014, 01:13 PM

looks like a loooooooooooot of brass

**oldtruck** · 01-15-2014, 08:31 PM

the backbones are usually cast iron ,heavy though ....and their a ***** to get loose ,had a few of them and theres usually 30 huge screws to get loose and some of them are hard to get to ,....i've found the best way to get the backbone loose from the wood ,is to toss it in the firepit and let it burn off ,but if they want the wood then good luck ,...it can be done but alot of work

**Rollyrogers33** · 01-20-2014, 07:25 PM

Figure someone would say let it burn. I am going to have to cut into 4 parts to get into my vehicle. I really need to buy a truck.

**oldtruck** · 01-20-2014, 07:44 PM

you can get it broke down without burning ,i did it with one of them ,just alot of work .....for the back bone ,you might have to cut a few of the strings to get to all the screws ,be careful they cut and can nail you when flinging loose ,there was a few screws from behind that needed wood to be "relocated "to get to ......grab as many prybars as you can ,and a sledge if you can get one ,.... best tips i can give you ...... ,if you hit it right ,the back bone is cast iron ,you can break it in two to get it in a car ,and take te time to ull every screw you can find before beating on it (those old screws hold well)............a cordless drill and some bits or screwdrivers of every type ,some good heavy dike pliers and some persuading with the sledge will get the rest of it apart

**dave** · 01-21-2014, 05:38 AM

use an impact driver on the screws; have plenty of extra bits!

**Bear** · 01-21-2014, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Rollyrogers33

Figure someone would say let it burn. I am going to have to cut into 4 parts to get into my vehicle. I really need to buy a truck.

or maybe a trailer ; )

**Bear** · 01-21-2014, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by dave

use an impact driver on the screws; have plenty of extra bits!

most all drill/drivers are an impact if you put it on the right setting, they are adjustable too

**joef1812** · 01-21-2014, 01:44 PM

since my father is a piano/ pipe organ guy i have taken apart more then i care to think of if you have to get dtrings out of the way i would take the tension off first they can spring back on you and they can leave some nasty cuts, getting the harp off just takes pacience there are several screws and some of the will be hidden but paint or rust but it will come off, a few good wacks witha sledge will break it up into small enogh pieces to fit in a car. i didnt see the keyboard in the pics but if your friends arent using it in their project the ivories off the keys can make you some good moeny if they are in very good shape and you can remove them.