[CAUT] Key Bushing Removal

[Jeff Stickney]

Keith,

A little dab of Wallpaper removing solution mixed with water (applied 
with an artist brush - or smallish brush of your choice) before the 
steaming process can help speed the process along - especially with 
tough glues.

I use a Steamstress plastic travel iron to shoot the steam down into the 
mortise.  I do the bushing removal and installation with the keys in the 
key clamp - they never leave the clamp until I'm ready to fit them back 
on the frame.

I use the Spurlock method with hide glue - my stick technique seems to 
work well, and I don't get glue strings.  Glue strings have been a 
problem for me using hide glue to install hammers, but not for key bushings.

Jeff Stickney

kpiano wrote:
> Barbara, thank you so much for posting that removal method. I do have 
> problems with the buttons on tough glues. I am just about to do a set of 
> keys. I'm so glad I opened your post!!
> 
> I use hot hide because it's so universal throughout the piano and I have 
> devised my recipes and thicknesses to the point it's second nature. It's 
> like any procedure, you have to practice it enough before it becomes 
> efficient and consistant.
> 
> Keith Roberts
>