[CAUT] RE : key bushing removal

[A440A at aol.com]

Wim asks: 
<  What are the opinions on the best bushing removal method?  Are there  

    any other methods out there that are less apt to cause trouble?  >>

    I have never had a problem with my home-made steamer. It is an old 
fire-extinguisher tank with a hot water heater element mounted in the end of it.  I 
have three drilled out zerk fittings installed in the top for jets.  It knocks 
the hide glue bushings loose in about four seconds.  
     The white plastic glue that Pratt-Read favored in the '60's takes about 
8-10 seconds per key.  With three jets going, (the whole thing sits in a small 
wooden cradle), I place a key over the jet, wait 5 seconds, put another key 
on, wait a few seconds, place the third on and pick up the first.  I pull the 
felt out, place another key in its stead and pick up the second one, etc.  
     This thing sizes the balance holes,( I invert the keys over the jets for 
the balance bushings), and never leaves a water mark on the buttons.  I have 
never had it loosen the buttons or ivory. I gave a complete description of 
this earlier this year, or last.  It should be in the archives.  
Regards, 



Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html