Chuck and all:
I second your motion about using contact cement, BUT as you say it takes special handling. 1. The right stuff - I use DAP Weldwood Gel Formula contact cement (in the red can) NOT water based cement (in the green can) it doesn't work well at all. I brush it on with a plumber's acid brush. My new favorite is DAP's spray adhesive. 2. It's necessary to mask the top side of the keytops so the spray doesn't migrate around the edges when used. I use painter's blue tape 2" wide. I'm working now with adhesive clear rug protector material much like Saran wrap, takes some practice, but faster and cheaper. 3. I use a pair of rollers to apply pressure to the keytop once it is in place. The setup is similar to the old clothes wringer my mother used to use. I compare it to an asphalt roller - lots of pressure along a line. Fast and effective.
Like you Chuck, I've had no failures in 20 years. Every method has its good and bad sides, one has to decide which to use for him/herself.
Mike Kurta, RPT
Chicago chapter
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