[pianotech] Applying PVC-E to new plastic keytops

[Mike Morvan]

For clamping:
The old Oslund clamping system worked well but they are pretty scarce now. I 
know atleast a dozen technicians that have them, don't use them, but won't 
part with them.  People are funny like that. I think someone posted some 
type of clamp recently on this list.

For gluing:
We use a glue only available in Europe that is thicker and has more solids 
than pvc-e, bonds stronger than pvc-e, and dries nearly white. It is used by 
the German keyboard manufacturers for applying plastic to new keyboards. We 
have sold a lot of it, and have mentioned it several times on this list over 
the years. We initially discovered the glue after we discovered mineral 
plastic (about 2 years ago) and have been using it exclusively ever since. 
Toss the pvc-e, (my opinion, I don't want to offend anyone). Perhaps my New 
Years resolution should be to keep my mouth shut..    Happy New Year 
Mike

BLACKSTONE VALLEY PIANO
Michael A. Morvan
76 Sutton Street
Uxbridge, Ma 01569
(508) 278-9762
www.pianoandorgankeys.com
mike at pianoandorgankeys.com
www.thepianorebuilders.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Greg Newell" <gnewell at ameritech.net>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 11:56 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Applying PVC-E to new plastic keytops


Mike,
You given a " what not to do" list. Would you share with us what you
feel is the better glue rather that PVC-E and what type of clamp is best?

Greg Newell
Greg's Piano Forté
www.gregspianoforte.com
216-226-3791 (office)
216-470-8634 (mobile)
http://www.wealthyaffiliate.com?a_aid=NNaYfMKd

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Mike Morvan
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 11:47 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Applying PVC-E to new plastic keytops

List,

    Our website is not off the air, our slideshows section is being updated
and the rest of the site is being updated as well (behind the scenes).



We have found the following while working with keytops:

1. Clamping is absolutely necessary, disregard the fact that it is a keytop
to be glued down. It could be thought of as the same process as laminating,
veneering, or face gluing. Clamping is necessary.

2. Pvc-e glue is not a gap filling glue, therefore like most other non gap
filling glues it must be squeezed down to a thin even layer to develop its
greatest potential strength. Finger pressure, elastic bands, tape, and
gravity do not have enough clamping pressure nor do they distribute the
pressure evenly.

3. Pvc-e glue has a very high water content which causes the grain to rise;
this grain raise is overcome by clamping.

4. Glue sizing is a great habit to get into, it prevents a glue starved
joint. I would suggest to glue size with the same glue that is to be used to

glue down the tops, not a different one.

5. There are better glues available for keytops than pvc-e.

6. It is difficult and requires much research to find the best tools or
supplies for a particular job; these however, if found are the most coveted
and least available; as evidenced by the many custom made tools and fixtures

occasionally posted to this list that are not readily available.

Happy Holidays, Mike



BLACKSTONE VALLEY PIANO
Michael A. Morvan
76 Sutton Street
Uxbridge, Ma 01569
(508) 278-9762
www.pianoandorgankeys.com
mike at pianoandorgankeys.com
www.thepianorebuilders.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Jackson" <scottwaynejackson at gmail.com>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2009 10:05 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Applying PVC-E to new plastic keytops


>I was going to suggest having a look at Michael Morvan's wonderful info at:
> http://www.pianoandorgankeys.com/sspadmin/slideshow.html
> but it looks like it is off the air :-(
>
> Scott Jackson
>
> Duane McGuire wrote:
>> What techniques do you use for applying PVC-E and clamping? On
>