keytops

[MICHAEL MORVAN]

John,
    You may want to get a flush trim router bit with the bearing on the top, 
the router bit information you forwarded is a pattern tracing bit that may 
not work. Be careful with flush trim bits, they follow the contour of the 
key closely, dive into lead holes, and will not trim the keytop straight if 
the keystick itself is not straight, which is the case in most of the 
keyboards post WWII. My 2 cents.   Mike

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Formsma" <formsma at gmail.com>
To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2007 9:07 AM
Subject: Re: keytops


> Bill Spurlock had an article in the Journal about keytops. It has lots
> of good information in it. I forget the date, but it's in the
> electronic Journal on CD set.
>
> I don't do keytops often, but use a router with a flush trim
> bit...like this one:
> http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5411&filter=router%20bit
> The router is in a router table, of course. :) It's not as dangerous
> as it might sound, but care is certainly required.
>
> Then finish with a file. There are files with coarse and fine sides
> which get the job done more quickly. I think I bought mine from
> Pianotek, but the same ones are available at Lowes or Home Depot.
>
> All the keytops I've seen from Schaff (and APSCO) had those
> imperfections. I think you're supposed to buff them if you want high
> gloss. Or, sand them to whatever gloss you prefer. Ron Nossaman
> mentioned he does his to 600 grit. I'm doing that on some organ keys,
> and it looks good. (Definitely don't want high gloss on a reed organ.)
>
> JF
>
> On 5/19/07, richard.ucci at att.net <richard.ucci at att.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>> List,
>> Just completed a set for a Lester console. What is the preferred method 
>> of
>> removing overhang of keytop on sides? I usually use a file and sometimes 
>> a
>> drum sander, but I'm looking for something more precise .
>> Also, I noticed many fine scratches and imperfections in this set. I was
>> very careful with them and I don't think I was the culprit.Anyone else 
>> seen
>> the same? Schaff supplied.
>> Thanks
>> Rick Ucci/Ucci Piano
>