Pianotech

  • 1.  Hot Hide Glue Vs PVC-E Glue

    Posted 06-14-2015 13:44
    So I am confused can I use Hot Hide Glue for Keytops and Key Bushing Cloth or do I use PVC-E Glue.  What if I chip a wood piece from the key and need to replace it.  I used contact cement. 

    I need list of sites to buy materials and correct glue.

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    Travis Balitz
    Associate Member
    Hastings MN
    651-491-8440651-491-8440
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  • 2.  RE: Hot Hide Glue Vs PVC-E Glue

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-14-2015 14:05
    I use PVC-E glue and Spurlock cauls for key bushings. Works great.  no need for the Bushmaster.  just cauls and a sharp razor blade for trimming. I do this a ton at the university.

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    Paul T. Williams RPT
    Director of Piano Services
    School of Music
    813 Assembly St
    University of South Carolina
    Columbia, SC 29208
    pwilliams@mozart.sc.edu
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Hot Hide Glue Vs PVC-E Glue

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-14-2015 15:09
    I use PVC-E for keytops (plastic).  Cold hide glue for bushings (hot is ok too) and damper felt.  Ivory depends on the situation.  In the field, thin CA.  Any water based glue with ivory requires plate clamping.  I use Titebond trim glue for hammers to shanks, Bolduc glue for ribs, soundboards and bridge caps.

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    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Hot Hide Glue Vs PVC-E Glue

    Posted 06-14-2015 19:26
    When gluing felt or cloth, reversibility of the glue joint is always a priority.  especilaly with damper felts, key bushings etc.  I concur with David.  Do yourself and the next person who will one day re-do you work a favor and use only hot or cold animal glue (hid glue, fish glue) for such applications.
    PVCE glue is not reversible.  Yes, it will soften when steamed, but it is next to impossible to actually remove the gummy residue from the wood so that your surface is again clean enough to use  the more traditional glues.
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    Jurgen Goering
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Hot Hide Glue Vs PVC-E Glue

    Posted 06-15-2015 12:01
    I find this post particularly distressing. Travis, the reason for using the recommended glues and the recommended bushing-removal techniques and timing is that following those instructions does not harm the piano. If you find yourself having to remove wood from the piano to get the cloth off, either something is wrong with your technique or the previous tech used an unrecommended type of glue which will not loosen when treated as suggested. The medical advice, "Primum non nocere," "first, do no harm," applies to piano work as well as to medical patients. I am glad you are excited about entering this field, and I agree with the earlier poster who suggested you proceed slowly, paying attention to the effects of what you are doing. As we do our repair work, we are preserving pianos. Best wishes, Dorrie Bell ------------------------------------------- Dorothy Bell Newton Centre MA 617-244-9850 -------------------------------------------
    Original Message