keytop replacment questions ( and ivorine story )

[David ilvedson]

> From:          "Gregory Torres" <tunapiana@adisfwb.com>
> To:            <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Subject:       Re: keytop replacment questions ( and ivorine story )
> Date:          Tue, 2 Dec 1997 01:21:08 -0600
> Reply-to:      pianotech@ptg.org

I have burned off ivorine key fronts for years.  If they won't 
let go easily with a blade I torch them.  Outside of course.  
The carbon residue I remove with sandpaper/block before gluing.  

David ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA

> Dave:
> 
> Not all the pre-molded keytops are .90"   and ivorine is very hazardous to
> work with. There are good keytops available from Yamaha without tops as well
> as the ones from American Supply and Schaff.  Vagias Ventures sells a whole
> assortment of keytops, in many shades of white, off-white and simulated
> ivory.
> 
> Regarding ivorine-I once almost set my shop (and house) on fire when I tried
> using my table saw to cut off a whole set of really stubborn fronts from
> this one particular grand (didn't know they were ivorine) when about halfway
> through the cut flames and toxic smoke arose out from under the table saw
> and if it wasn't for my quick reaction with a shop rag and fire extinguisher
> it would have been really bad.
> 
> Ever use a heat gun to remove old ivory? works real good but don't try it on
> ivorine.....
> 
> Any body else have any "Scary Ivorine" stories?
> 
> Greg Torres
> -----Original Message-----
> From: DGPEAKE@aol.com <DGPEAKE@aol.com>> >Barrie,
> >
> >The problem with pre-moulded key covers are numerous.  First of all they
> are
> >.90 when ivory is around .20 thick.  They also are not made of ivorine and
> >therefore show a lot of scratches.  The keytop also tends to crack.
> >
> >Ivorine is the way to go and in my opinion, look a lot nicer.  It takes
> more
> >time, but  the outcome is well worth it.
> >
> >Dave Peake, RPT
> >Portland, OR
> >
> >
> 
> 
>