Another question...

[CDeets@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/31/98 2:20:45 PM Central Daylight Time,
robert.goodale@nau.edu writes:

<< Could anyone suggest a way to remove wood from the bottom of ivory key
 tops?
 Over the last several years I have been removing and collecting ivory
 from old junk pianos.  I really have quite an impressive collection now,
 numerous shades and easily enough to recover the keys on several pianos
 or more.  One problem, however, is that quite often some wood comes off
 with the ivory when removed.  I have tried all types of scraping,
 sanding, grinding, what have you.  This usually results in breaking the
 key top or gouging it so that the bottom is no longer even.  I'm afraid
 of using any kind of chemical for fear that it will either warp or
 otherwise damage the ivory.  It would sure be nice to get all these keys
 cleaned off so that they are usable. Ideas?
  >>

I have soaked the ivory keys in mild dishwashing liquid like, "Ivory Soap."
(Ivory soap was make for keys you know, ha) After an hour of soaking, any
debris or glue residue slip right off.

Craig Deets, Associate member Chicago Chapter