[CAUT] RE : key bushings

[David Love]

I still like hide glue for bushings, though I've gone to Titebond trim glue
for hammers.  Make enough for the job and through it out when you are done
to prevent rotting.  Use a jar/double boiler set up so you don't have to
clean the glue pot.  Paint the mortises with a very thin coating before you
start.  Then apply thinly to the cloth before inserting.  Keep it fairly
runny so you don't get it on so thick that you get squeeze out inside the
mortise (makes for nice clicky sounds).  It will adhere very easily and also
steam out very easily.

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net 
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Greg
Granoff
Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 11:08 AM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: Re: [CAUT] RE : key bushings

It's odd, but among the various objections to hot hide glue that come up
frequently is one against the way it smells, especially if it is "going
off".  Many long years ago, my mentor taught me to put a few drops of spirit
of camphor--available at any drug store-- say a drop or two per ounce into
the glue mixture.  This dramatically slows the rotting process, and
additionally gives the glue a very pleasant camphor-y smell--a bit like what
you smell if you sand old style plastic keytops. Somehow I thought everyone
knew about this.

Greg Granoff

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron Nossaman" <rnossaman at cox.net>
To: "College and University Technicians" <caut at ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 8:03 AM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] RE : key bushings


>
> > The trouble I've had with hide glue, aside from the usual like -is it
> > rotten and stinks? -is it too cold or too hot? - is that it leaves
> > strings behind it and gets all over the place.
>
> With a glue pot designed for working with hide glue, heat
> control is a matter of keeping the pot plugged in. If it
> strings on you, you have it way too thick. Neither is the
> fault of the glue.
>
>
> >And it is quite as
> > capable of sinking into the cloth as white glue, if it's made up too
thin.
> >
> > Susan Kline
>
> Which is why I apply usably thin glue to the wood instead of
> the cloth.
>
> We do whatever works for us, and as long as performance,
> longevity, and future service aren't compromised, it's the
> right way.
> Ron N
>