[pianotech] Removing Glue

[Mike Morvan]

    I agree with William 100%, stick to hot hide glue on items that get replaced, and by all means if the application will never need to be reversed than anything goes. If someone is not set up to use hot hide glue or is looking for convenience, than use cold hide glue, it is more than strong enough for any felt or cloth application and it is reversible. I've heard people make reference to the fact that cold hide glue has a short "shelf life", and it does, but so does any good PVA (Elmer's, Titebond, Etc..) they all start to deteriorate at 3 months and should be thrown away after 6 months, read the MSDS and TDS sheets. Chances are good when you buy your glue that it is already expired or close to it, check the label or ask your supplier for a lot number and expiration date.
    I feel we have only just begun to feel the pain of the new high-tech glues, they are not reversible (unless you consider high heat, 60 grit sandpaper and a carbide scraper reversible) and they complicate cloth replacement especially bushings. And when you consider the fact that every piano and keyboard manufacturer is using these non-reversible glues and a lot of felt and cloth is not of a high quality anymore, we will soon have a tidal wave of repairs to be made. Today's quick fixes are tomorrows nightmares.
    We have had piano and organ keyboards in our shop this year less than a decade old made in Germany, England, China and the United States all with bushing failure and nightmare scenarios of removing PVA, EVA, hot melt and yes, double sided tape which are used at the production level for bushing installation.
    Off my soap box now. Please use hide glue, pretty please. Mike

Blackstone Valley piano
Michael A. Morvan
76 Sutton Street
Uxbridge, Ma 01569
(508) 278-9762
www.pianoandorgankeys.com
www.thepianorebuilders.com
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: William Monroe 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 9:22 AM
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Removing Glue


  I'd suggest Hot Hide Glue.  As you've learned, it's easily removable should it need to be done again, sets quickly, and doesn't absorb too far into the felts you are gluing as long as it's not prepared way too thin, or applied way too thick.  Not only that, but as (I think) JD pointed out, to get a good glue joint you don't really even need to get all the residue off before gluing the next time.  Good stuff

  William R. Monroe

   
          Thanks to all for the suggestions involving glue removal.  I used hot water and vinegar letting it really soak in and it went much faster this time. In re-felting the back rail and dampers, etc., what is the best adhesive - hide glue? PVC-E?, burnt shellac? Suggestions?
          Thanks,
          Denis Kelly 

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