I have found that (90% of the time) a regular utility knife works just fine. Sometime they can be be a little bit stubborn but patience and persistence, and not slicing your fingers (don't ask me how I know) are key. Also, if you have trouble removing the fronts, heating them up then using a sharp chisel tends to make removal easier. Stick them under a strong heat lamp or even use a heat gun. Don't get them to hot or the plastic will set off the smoke alarm(s). Don't ask me how I know. Hitting them with heat 4-5 at a time and removing the tops with a utility blade and the fronts with a chisel while another 4-5 are heating up make things go quicker.
Worst case scenario for super stubborn ones: I set up a jig on my router table with an upcut bit to remove the top. DON'T run the keytop through the router backwards Unless you really want to see what a key traveling across your shop at 90mph looks like. Again, don't ask me how I know. I've learned a lot of "what not to do's" early on. 😬
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Tyler Ayala
Los Gatos CA
831-535-9807
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-21-2019 19:59
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Removing Keytops
Hello all,
What, in your experience, is the best method for removing key tops? Complete sets and individuals?
Also, I'm asking with plastics that have cracked in mind, though replies about ivories and cellulose are welcome too :-)
Thank you in advance,
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(805) 315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
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