Given that the lower frame of the CA 701 is made from mdf, it's probably wise to be careful about how you raise the base off the floor sufficiently to allow insertion of the felt pad slider things. At just under 80kg, it’s a bit on the heavy side for me (and my temperamental back) plus a second person to lift easily, as well as needing a third person to insert the slider pads.
The alternative of levering it up from the base risks denting/damaging the mdf if the lever slips or is reluctant to make its way under the piano.
So, I’ve ordered a set of air wedges that should easily slip under the piano frame and then can be inflated to slightly raise one edge at a time to allow insertion of the felt pads.
My thinking is that it should be possible to first carefully tilt the piano backwards slightly so there is just enough space to slide in an air wedge under the front of one of the (short) sides, then tilt the piano forwards a little to insert a second air wedge under the back of that side.
After that, both wedges can be inflated together to keep things raising evenly and the felt pads inserted. The same process would then be done for the other short side.
From what I’ve read, air wedges prevent the potential for the sort of accidental denting and other damage that can occur if you use normal levering approaches.
However, I am a little apprehensive about tilting the piano back then forwards a little bit in order to make space for slipping the air wedges under it… I know these things are quite top heavy so there could be a slight possibility that it topples over. Am I being too cautious/alarmist about this? Is there any way I can minimise this piano toppling possibility?
