<html> <head> <meta content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" http-equiv="Content-Type"> </head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" text="#000000"> I've just been doing this job myself on a keyboard that I'm rebushing. I've found that introducing steam before glue sizing will cure even very extreme cases of loose balance holes. I used a Singer Steamer on these, but I've used a simple tea kettle in the past. The glue sizing by itself doesn't seem to swell the wood nearly so much as when steam is used (well, duh!). This before and after shot of the same balance hole shows the elongated hole (left) made more round after steaming (right). Immediately after glue sizing I burning lightly with a dummy keypin, then let them dry overnight before placing them back on the keyframe to "set". After rebushing, they will need to be eased for proper fit. I've found that applying some teflon powder to the holes with a small nylon brush will reduce the amount of easing required. I burnish this into the wood somewhat by using the tapered easing tool from the bottom of the key, but without using any pressure at all so as not to enlarge the hole. In your case, Tom, you would probably want to pop some mortice cauls in the bushings before steaming! - Mark <img alt="" src="cid:part1.09010706.09000202@nhpianos.com" height="324" width="640"> <div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 9/9/2012 11:23 AM, Tom Driscoll wrote: </div> <blockquote cite="mid:%3C504CB470.3010706@verizon.net%3E" type="cite">List,  I have a regulation job where the key bushings  have been replaced in good order but the balance holes are inconsistently sloppy loose. An archive search revealed several glue sizing suggestions( including one from me) .  I'm gonna try Ron N's suggestion of using Elmer's  glue all mixed with water. My method was to use liquid hyde glue thinned with hot water but the thread suggested that Elmer's would be quieter. So my questions---- It was suggested that swabbing the hole with alc . would break surface tension and help the introduction of the glue to the pores.  Necessary ?  And does it help to have the glue-water mix hot ? I have to be careful of course to not contaminate the key bushings as I'm on a limited budget here and need to focus my time on the other aspects of the job .  I'm waiting for noon on this lovely Sunday for my hardware store to open as Elmers has not passed through the shop door in quite some time. Advice appreciated . Tom D </blockquote> </body> </html>