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White key fronts

  • 1.  White key fronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-19-2021 22:01
    Hello fellow techs,

    I would appreciate any input on the subject of replacing old ivories with plastic keytops.  Mainly, if I use the plastic keytops that come with the tops and the fronts  all in one piece, how do I take off the old fronts or treat them in such a way so as the glue will adhere to them.  I have tried roughing up the old fronts with sand paper to varying degrees of success.  I've also tried steaming of the old fronts to no avail.  Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
    Bill Ryder


  • 2.  RE: White key fronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-20-2021 00:08
    Sharp chisel. They should come off easily. If not heat them up with a heat gun first.

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    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
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  • 3.  RE: White key fronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-20-2021 00:12
    Be careful with heat. Often those old fronts are extremely flammable and will catch fire easily. Don't ask..
    Paul McCloud



    David Love:

    Sharp chisel. They should come off easily. If not heat them up with a heat gun first.

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





  • 4.  RE: White key fronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-20-2021 00:18
    Thank you David and Paul.  I'll give it a try.
    Bill






  • 5.  RE: White key fronts

    Posted 05-20-2021 00:27
    hello Bill,
    i use a damp cloth, lay it on the keytop and put a hot iron on it for 10 or 20 seconds which works for me.
    Peter

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    Petrus Janssen
    Peachtree City GA
    678-416-8055
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  • 6.  RE: White key fronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-20-2021 01:52
    Bill:  The easiest and best way to remove key fronts for me is to use a table saw.  Make an adjustable stop block so you remove the same amount of stock from each key.  Use a 40 tooth carbide blade and you can be done in 20 minutes, eezy peezy.  I've done many hundreds this way.  See this in action on my website www.keytops.net.       




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    Mike Kurta, RPT
    N. Michigan chapter
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  • 7.  RE: White key fronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-20-2021 02:09
    I use an old clothes iron.  You need to experiment with temperatures to find the best amount of heat and I have a thin bladed dull paring knife to pry off the tops.
    I have a table top belt sander that I use to carefully prep the key tops to dead flat, but be extremely careful not to take off too much!

    If you use "key top cement" (PVE glue) it helps to rough up the new key bottoms for better glue contact.  I use sand paper.

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    Blaine Hebert
    Duarte CA
    626-795-5170
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  • 8.  RE: White key fronts

    Posted 05-20-2021 06:04
      |   view attached
    You must remove them first, and typically a thin layer of wood as well, or you'll end up with keys binding on the keyslip. Attached is a video of the jig I use.

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    Phil Stewart
    Join us in Orlando!
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  • 9.  RE: White key fronts

    Posted 05-20-2021 07:34
    Phil, What is that thing...is it from some other industry...I like it

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 10.  RE: White key fronts

    Posted 05-20-2021 07:38
    By the way, I'm with Mike,  I cut off the fronts and establish a new front line of the keys carefully gauging off the existing front, if the front line was good. 

    I never use the single piece fronts and tops.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 11.  RE: White key fronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-26-2021 00:02

    The moulding knife is a great idea, much better than my table saw.  It doesn't require large, heavy equipment and my saw often splits the wood on the corner of the key stick as it goes through.  I suggest making a permanent adjustable depth stop that would save the step of placing it each time against the front of the key.

                   Mike Kurta






  • 12.  RE: White key fronts

    Member
    Posted 05-26-2021 07:39
    Yep, the molding trimmer works great.  This assures an accurate removal of not only the front, but any wood needed to maintain original key dimensions.  We've been doing it this way for the better part of 20 years...quick and easy!

    Deb






  • 13.  RE: White key fronts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-29-2021 15:28
    I like that thing!

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 14.  RE: White key fronts

    Posted 05-29-2021 15:44
    Hello Deb,
    Where would I be able to find a molding trimmer that will do the job?
    Thank you, 
    Peter

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    Petrus Janssen
    Peachtree City GA
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  • 15.  RE: White key fronts

    Member
    Posted 05-29-2021 17:34
    Hi, 

    I have purchased two molding trimmers over the past couple decades. One at Woodworkers Supply, another at Harbor Freight Tools (my spare). As key work comprises 90% of my income, I have back up machines and tools for every aspect of the work. I can't afford down time to find replacements or make repairs. So...if something breaks or wears out, I have a replacement ready for use while I replace or repair.

    Deb





  • 16.  RE: White key fronts

    Member
    Posted 05-29-2021 17:46
    That thing is rad and can probably cut cheese, pepperoni, bologna, pitman dowels, carrots - maybe even trim hammer sides down with a jig and support. 

    I have a felt guillotine that does a great job of cutting key bushing cloth and felt for upright backchecks.

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 17.  RE: White key fronts

    Member
    Posted 05-29-2021 18:03
    And fingers!  Even though manually operated it is a must pay attention operation. Particularly if you are carrying it around as the blade moves easily and quickly if slightly angled, cuts in both directions and is extremely sharp. I have mounted my cutter to a bench.

    Deb