[CAUT] PVC-E glue/keytops

[Mark Cramer]

David,

I haven't tried PVC glue, but think you will be much happier with it than
spray contact-cement.

I use water-based contact-cement (rolled on as you describe), so I'm not
sure whether the following glue clean-up "hint" applies or not.

I'm gathering the PVC squeezes-out a fair bit when you press the key on,
while (latex) contact-cement does not.

Anyhow, if this helps at all, you can let me know.

Prior to glueing:

Line your keys up to a straight-edge

Run masking tape across the top of the entire set of keys, immediately
behind the "re-topping surface" and down to your bench.

Then (presuming tops w/o fronts) mask them again across the fronts, flush
with the top surface of the keys.

Roll out a thin layer of glue taking care to limit "runs" over the sides of
the keys.

Any surplus glue on the front and back of the keys comes off with the tape.

Again David, this isn't exactly the method I use, but the idea remains;

"the less glue where it doesn't belong; the less to clean-up"

and masking a whole set of keys (prevention) takes about the same amount of
time as cleaning surplus glue off just one key (cure)! ;>)

best regards,
Mark Cramer,
Brandon University




-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of
David Ilvedson
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 2:47 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org; caut@ptg.org
Subject: [CAUT] PVC-E glue/keytops


OK,

I installed my first set with PVC-E glue instead of spray contact cement.
I tried brushing it on one key and decided to try the roller.   I got a
little 3 inch roller/plastic paint holder combo at my hardware store.   The
holder is as big as the roller.   Of course it all can be washed up with
water and re-used.   Just like you are painting a wall with a roller you
pour a little glue into the holder and roll the roller in it back and forth
to coat it evenly.   3 keys at a time at first eventually 2 sets of 3 before
attaching the keytop.   the roller put on a very thin coat of glue...my only
concern is if I have enough glue?   Not nearly as much wiggling when a thin
coat of glue is on the keytop.   I think painting it on may? put more glue
than you need? and thus the extra wiggling of the keytop.

Boy you need to be extremely careful to use CLEAN wet paper towels or such
and toss every few keys.   I spent more time trying to clean the keytops of
glue residue.   Finally, I tried using the clean, wet paper towel to rub
down on the keytop for the pressure and tossing the towel every key.   That
seemed the best.

I LOVE THIS GLUE...except it's propensity to sneak onto the keytop...It went
as fast as my spray glue.   With the spray glue I could clean after the
entire job with paint thinner to remove overspray, glue on fingers etc....

I'd like to see others try the roller and give some feedback.

David Ilvedson

PS   I clamped with Bill Spurlocks key clamps just to make sure the keytops
didn't rise.   Although, I didn't see any doing that...well, maybe one a
tiny bit...





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