My name is Lanny Davis and I have the patent on an adjustable weight action for digital pianos. I have been using a CAD software called MacDraft since 1987. A magical creation tool for me has been a combination of; MacDraft Software, a bandsaw, belt/disk sander, a can of spray-tack (glue), ordinary 20# paper and a drill press.
What have I been doing?
I have experimented for over twenty years with articulated lever mechanisms beneath a piano key in order to replicate the feel of an acoustic grand piano action - the quest of digital piano manufacturers.
This is how I work with MacDraft, from simple bird houses to extreme projects such as my piano action wiring schematics and panel layouts for my amateur radio projects:
- Draw out a desired pattern using the easy and intuitive MacDraft CAD tool bars.
- Print out the pattern and spray tack it onto a plank of 1/2 in. poplar wood.
- Cut out the pattern, it's best to be rather close.
- Use the disc sander to finish edging right up to the line.
The result is a very accurate and machined-like part from ordinary wood. This was the basis for the trial and error process to make prototype parts for my piano action.
Adjustable weight action for digital pianos?
I have made hundreds of prototypes in the process and now am in my fourth generation of a complete 88-note action model. The most recent piano contains parts made with 3D modeling. I exported my drawings via email in .dxf format to a contract fabricating facility for them to make enough parts for my latest model.
Normally, 3D modeling is the best and most beneficial for fine tuning a design before committing to the high cost of having an injection tool made. For my needs, MacDraft being the best CAD software available, has made it possible for my components to be very close to the final design before going to the expense of either 3D CAD modeling or an injection tool.
I cannot say enough about how important the MacDraft software is for my design projects.
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