Hasta La Ideas

Now that you’ve checked out our series on wood movement, you’ll understand why Steinway & Sons air-dry their wood for a year, then kiln-dry it. You’ll also understand why they select quartersawn lumber for their soundboards. And whether you’re an industrial designer familiar with factories or just a civilian, you’re bound to be fascinated by how this massive machine—one that is 85% wood—all comes together. The bentwood laminating alone is pretty nuts, requiring six guys to lift the layers of hard rock maple that will become the piano’s sides. Check it out:

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