In a message dated 98-02-06 16:19:19 EST, you write: << List; I am currently working on a set of keys whose front rail bushings, indeed the entire front of the keys, has been soaked in McLube or some similar substance. My usual method of soaking the bushing, allowing to stand, and then steaming is not working especially well. The water alcohol mixture is beading up and the steam does not seem to be penetrating as well as it normally would. This is causing quite a bit of 'tear out' in the mortises. The old bushings are glued in with the white heat activated wafers. Any ideas? Tricks? Jim Bryant (FL) >> Treat the bushings w/wallpaper remover and H20. 2 or 3 applications if necessary. Sometimes you can remove w/o steaming. If you need to steam, soak a cloth in water, apply across several keys (if you have them clamped together or using Spurlocks key clamps), apply hot iron until most of the steam disappears, then remove bushings with your tweezers. If doing center rail, be careful not to oversteam or you may find you may have to reglue the key buttons as well. Removing key bushings that have not been originally glued with hide glue, can be a major headache. But with patience, it can be done if using the above guidelines. Hope this helps. Dave Peake, RPT Portland, OR
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