Key Button Wood

[John Ross]

Hi John,
I remember reading the article. I have thought about making my own, after
reading the article, but like a lot of things, I never got around to it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the article.
The one question I had about the article, was, I don't remember anything
about the making of the hole in the button.
Do you drill two holes, and use a chisel?
That is what I was going to try. I always meant to contact you for the
answer.
Regards,
John M. Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
jrpiano@win.eastlink.ca
----- Original Message ----- 
[link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015]
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 9:30 PM
Subject: Re: Key Button Wood


> Farrell wrote:
> > Key buttons are available in basswood or maple. Any advantage one way or
the other with either material?
> >
> > Terry Farrell
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
> >
> >
>
> If you check the information page on my web site
> and go to the photos and illustrations page you
> will find several photos of installing new new key
> buttons. I originally used basswood since it is
> what you usually see. The problem I had was the
> basswood does not machine well against the grain.
> When using a router to trim the buttons a rough
> surface was left on some of the keys. I have been
> making keyboards for several years and used
> quarter sawn maple for the key buttons with good
> success so I tried them for replacing on older
> keys. The maple behaves better when machining
> against the grain. It is also stiffer and more
> durable (probably out last the rest of the key).
> The only drawback is that the mortises need to be
> machined accurately and the bushings need to be
> properly sized from the beginning (I have had the
> best luck making my own). Harder woods like maple
> don't compress very easily if you are used to
> using easing pliers to fit the keys. I really
> don't like key easing pliers especially the ones
> with compound action. I use the hot broaches for
> easing.
>
> A wrote a two part article for The Piano
> Technicians Journal recently on installing key
> button sets. Check the list of Journal articles on
> the site.
>
> -- 
> John Hartman RPT
>
> John Hartman Pianos
[link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015]
> Rebuilding Steinway and Mason & Hamlin
> Grand Pianos Since 1979
>
> Piano Technicians Journal
> Journal Illustrator/Contributing Editor
[link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015]
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
>