removing old keytops

[Mike Kurta]

    Hi Terry:
    Steam is still the best way to remove stubborn keytops.  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