Pianotech

 Does anyone have a favorite method of removing leather bushings from keys that doesn't create a gooey mess? I've never really been able to come up with a system.  

Probably someone who works with historical instruments or who uses leather bushings has a method. Removal ease is probably a factor of the type of glue used and the age and condition of the leather. If you used steam it probably is causing the glue to melt like honey . Msaybe you need to use some very small chisels or bladed to reduce the bushing size and scrape out the bushings or use sanding sticks. I have had bushing disasters with felt when the glues did not respond to much of anything and pulled out wood in the keystick . What have you tried ? I have been looking at ways to lubricate/reduce friction in leather bushed keys. I have been reluctant to try any liquid and settled on teflon powdert for now although Ballistol has been mentioned . Leather softeners may work but I have yet to try any

 Does anyone have a favorite method of removing leather bushings from keys that doesn't create a gooey mess? I've never really been able to come up with a system.  

Well over the years I've done steaming, but it tends to turn them into a muddy mess. It does render them very hard. once they dry again, and you could often yank them out then.  getting the glue to let go is not a problem, but unlike felt the leather has a tendency to turn to mush. 

Probably someone who works with historical instruments or who uses leather bushings has a method. Removal ease is probably a factor of the type of glue used and the age and condition of the leather. If you used steam it probably is causing the glue to melt like honey . Msaybe you need to use some very small chisels or bladed to reduce the bushing size and scrape out the bushings or use sanding sticks. I have had bushing disasters with felt when the glues did not respond to much of anything and pulled out wood in the keystick . What have you tried ? I have been looking at ways to lubricate/reduce friction in leather bushed keys. I have been reluctant to try any liquid and settled on teflon powdert for now although Ballistol has been mentioned . Leather softeners may work but I have yet to try any

 Does anyone have a favorite method of removing leather bushings from keys that doesn't create a gooey mess? I've never really been able to come up with a system.