Power Sanders and Ivory Keys

[Piesik, John (JPIESIK)]

thanks, del!

-----Original Message-----
From: Delwin D Fandrich [mailto:pianobuilders@olynet.com]
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2001 7:19 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Re: Power Sanders and Ivory Keys



----- Original Message -----
From: "Piesik, John (JPIESIK)" <JPIESIK@arinc.com>
To: "Pianotech Post Msg (E-mail)" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: February 16, 2001 10:23 AM
Subject: Power Sanders and Ivory Keys


> Does anyone out there have any experience with sanding and polishing ivory
> keytops with a palm-type orbital power finishing sander?
--------------------------------------------------

Yes. For years I used an AEG half-sheet orbital sander for both ivory and
plastic keytops. I settled on this brand and model after some trial and
error. The criteria is that it must be very fast -- the AEG was rated at
20,000 opm -- and have a relatively small orbit. It should also have a
fairly large platen. The AEG used 1/2 of a standard sheet of sandpaper which
was just right. The felt or foam backing should be fairly firm. I had to
replace it on my machine, the original was too soft and tended to round-over
the sides and edges a bit. You also don't want it too hard or the keytop
will tend to skate around and be hard to control. A soft and gentle touch is
in order here.

Depending on the condition of the keytops in question I started with
sandpaper anywhere from 120 to 220 grit and end up with either 220 or 320
depending on how 'polished' I wanted the end result to be. With both ivory
and plastic I would then lightly buff to satin sheen. I have never liked the
high-polish look of genuine plastic keytops, preferring a slightly mat
finish. If you leave the keytops mat-finished as they come from the sander,
however, they mark up easily from fingernails, etc. Lightly buffing them
leaves them with a satin look, but one that is a bit more durable.

With a bit of practice you can quickly go through a set of keytops leaving
them with a beautiful, lustrous finish after a light buffing.

I'm not sure if AEG is still sold in the US but, if not, there are probably
others. Just make sure it is really fast. Most run about 12,000 opm.

Del