[pianotech] removing ivories

[John Formsma]

Someone at this past annual convention mentioned doing your favorite method
of ivory removal, then tossing the ivories into a basin of warm water and a
bit of dishwasher soap. Said they come out really clean after they have
soaked a while. No scrubbing, scraping, or sanding needed. I think they
might tend to warp, but you can set something flat and heavy on them...or
perhaps clamp.

If Bill Monroe remembered all his stuff better, he would have already
chimed in with this info. He was sitting right next to me the whole time.
Shame on his forgetful memory.... ;-)

-- 
John Formsma, RPT
Blue Mountain, MS


On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 4:47 PM, Chuck Behm <behmpiano at gmail.com> wrote:

>  >I'm wondering about methods to safely remove old ivories from junk
> pianos.  I've got a junker that has ivories in reasonable condition and I'd
> like to try and remove them for future re-use.  Every attempt I've made in
> the past has resulted in them breaking into pieces.  I've heard of
> techniques ranging from using a steam iron to soaking the keys, even
> dampening them and placing them in a microwave.  Is there a proven
> sure-fire way to remove them without breaking them?  Even if one breaks the
> set will no longer match. Rob Goodale
>
> Rob - what's always worked well for me is to take an old wash cloth, soak
> it in a bowl of water and wring it out. Put the keystick in your vise and
> cover with the cloth, then put an old iron at medium setting on top for
> several seconds (experiment with times). Ivories will usually pry off with
> a putty knife (don't use a chisel). Start at the front and work towards the
> back of the head piece, rocking your putty knife back and forth. You'll
> break a few this way, but will be able to save most.
>
> Toss each ivory in a drawer intended for that particular note  to make
> selection easier down the road. I like to clean them with 0000 steel wool
> after they dry,  then buff them on a cloth wheel with ivory polish. Scrape
> any residue off on the backs with a sharp chisel. Chuck
>
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