removing old keytops

[Avery Todd]

At 06:51 AM 11/10/04, you wrote:
>    Hi Terry:
>    Steam is still the best way to remove stubborn keytops.

Maybe I'm missing something here but Terry asked:

 > Anybody have suggestions for the best/fastest method for removing old
 > plastic keytops?

The operative word here is "plastic". Does steam really help remove those?
Ivory, yes, but plastic?

Avery

>I bought an old iron from Sally Ann (Salvation Army) line up about six 
>keys in a row, place a fairly wet washcloth over them, set the iron on and 
>voila!  I use the hottest setting as the wet cloth tends to cool the shoe 
>of the iron.  Take one key off one end and add one from the other, it 
>helps to have another pair of hands helping.  This will give each key 
>about 3-5 minutes of heat/steam treatment.
>    Don't worry about warping or bushings, you are not subjecting the keys 
> to this for too long.  I then use a HD utility knife/box cutter to pry 
> the keytop loose being aware of the grain orientation underneath.  If you 
> feel wood coming up with the top, start lifting at the other end.  If it 
> is unavoidable, I use plastic wood, Webb's wood rebuilder or autobody 
> Bondo as a filler.
>    Keep an eye on the wetness of your cloth as it dries out quickly.  I 
> keep a bowl of water handy to replentish when needed.  Good Luck!
>    Mike Kurta
>    Auburn, NY
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