I have a keyboard looming in my near future where +25% of the ivory is off. Before I start fashioning jigs, has anyone devised a means to keep the ivory in place while the hot glue sets under the heated ivory plate. Once the heated plate is clamped, the ivory has a tendency to slide on the water layer underneath. Some means is needed to secure the ivory on the key and not interfere with the plate. I have tried all types of other adhesives and am convinced that hot hide glue mixed 5 to 1 with titanium oxide (show white) is the best, longest-lasting method not to mention authentic. I am trying one now using spring clamps on the sides to hold the ivory in place. This might be the easiest way. These side clamps would not need to stay on as long as the plate clamp, just long enough for the glue to set up. I usually leave the ivory clamped for at least three hours when simply securing loose fronts. Would a longer time period be more beneficial for a full length ivory glue set? Regards, Jon Page, piano technician Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass. mailto:jonpage@attbi.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC