keytop trimming (HELP!)

[Greg Newell]

Rob,
         Thanks for the confirmation and info on the sanders. I thought 
that this might be the way to go. What kind of file do you use?

Greg Newell

At 05:25 PM 6/10/2002, you wrote:

>You are right on track.  The best system that I have ever seen is the 
>narrow belt bench top sander.  These are the ones with the belt that runs 
>around a big loop somewhat like a miniature band saw with the abrasive 
>side facing outward.  Unfortunately all of these machines that I have seen 
>have been crudely built of thin rattling parts and a table that never 
>locks down perfectly straight.  There doesn't appear to be any 
>manufacturers that makes one all that impressive.  Fortunately in spite of 
>their crudeness they do work rather well for key trimming.  You need to 
>work slowly, too fast and it generates just enough heat to melt the 
>plastic.  Use a gentle sweeping motion across the key.  In a very short 
>order of time you can trim all of the tops right up flush with the 
>wood.  You may need to go over them lightly with a fine file to do some 
>detail work but with the bulk of the work done this doesn't take too 
>long.  The end result should look quite professional.
>
>Rob Goodale, RPT
>Las Vegas, NV

Greg Newell
mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net