Hi Richard Wagner No apologies are needed you can't hurt my feelings. I agree that the glue wafers today are not what they once were, what else is new? I like the idea of the toaster oven to heat the key plates. Don't have one in the shop, but we do have a microwave and a fridge lets get together and we can fix lunch! "Slimy" is the word my wife, Marilyn , used to descibe the feel of the wafer as she felt the glue begin to "ooze". (semantics). Marilyn has done a few sets of keys and quite a few ivories for about 10 or 12 years now. No complaints. We'll send references if necessary.( average 12 -15 sets/mo.) The last set of wafers came from American they are ok .If you find a bad one don't use it. Fred Scoles has a good idea of adding some glue to the wafer I think we'll try that sometime. Thanks Fred. In regard to Jon Pages comments, the wafers are not that large anymore. We do trim excess from the wafer if necessary. I'm not trying to write a book just give some general information I've gained over the last 25 years. I assume people have some common sense. The original question was from someone who had never used a glue wafer. If you don't get it perfect the first time having a little excess wafer to work with might help. The key jig we use in the key shop everyday, mostly for plastic tops. The point I was trying to make, which oboviously failed, is everyone is looking for the fast fix. It appears everywhere in our lives today from fast food to fast communication. If a customer wants to super glue a ivory on their piano fine. Lord only knows I have seen enough of that and every other imaginable way to attach a loose keytop. Taking a little more time to do a job, in a time tested manner, is a more professional approach. Hey - anyone can slop some glue. What works for one doesn't always work for the next fellow, but youv'e got to go with what gives you results and some satisfaction. I have enjoyed the discussion. Sincerely, Mark & Marilyn Ritchie Columbus, OH
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