I finally convinced myself that today is a good day to replace the busted head on my Lady Stewart. Oh boy, way tight and it doesn't really want to budge. I remember having a hard time getting that tension hoop on way back when but now, wow, it really wants to stay on the rim.
I'm considering to moisten/wet the "trench," kinda like a U-shape channel, between the outer side of the head and the inner side of the tension hoop.
Soooooo looking forward to your thoughts, and/or better ideas!
Edited by - Bart Veerman on 03/06/2025 12:11:22
Use heat. In the summer I put stubborn metal parts in the "solar kiln" parked in my driveway, that is, my pickup truck. the 120 or so degrees lets the metal expand slightly allowing separation of the parts.
In the winter, I usually will put the metal parts near my wood stove.
You could also use a heat gun or hair dryer.
Reassembly will not be any easier. In the past, when I accepted repair work, my shop would cut the tension hoop and add 1/4" to 3/8" of brass to increase the diameter of the hoop, thereby giving you more space between the rim and the tension hoop.
Hope that helps.
Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com
