In a message dated Tue, 14 May 2002 1:48:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, "John Ross" <jrpiano@win.eastlink.ca> writes: >Hi List, >I have two questions, re methods of recovering keys. > 1- Are there any dedicated key recovering machines, other than the >Oslund for purchase by the average piano technician? > 2- Of the assorted jigs around, which is the best? >Thanking, in advance for the advice to be given. >Thank you for the replies, re the slipping eye, on new bass strings. John, I haven't seen any other dedicated machines. I really like the Safe-T-Planer from Pianotech. You use it with your drill press and a drill press vice to trim the top of the key to compensate for the thicker new key tops. There will be a learning curve to find the technique (speed and feed direction) but once you do it is smooth and accurate. I use PVC white glue from Schaff and find it unnecessary to clamp the new key top down if you are careful. I trim the sides of the keys with a small router and a flush cut bit (with bearing of course) putting a few strips of tape to angle the key just a little so the bit does not trim the keytop too flush. Stay away from the notch, hand filing eliminates chipping or going to far with the router bit at the notch. David Koelzer DFW
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