In MMDigest 97.10.07 Larry Toto said:

> I visited a local piano rebuilder (Cunningham Piano, Phila) and they
> discouraged me from attempting the job because of the difficulty in
> removing the ivories and in getting a decent butt joint on the key tops.

This sounds to me like the alternate to the rebuilder saying simply,
"I don't really know how to do this job, but I don't want to encourage
you to find any one else to do it."

> Is there a reliable method to remove old ivories, square off the wood
> keytop surface, and get a professional looking set of keys without
> expensive alignment jigs and such?

Yes, but with or without elaborate equipment it is difficult until you've
had lots of practice.  Good ivory repair is not easy, but it can be done,
and nicely, at that, with experience and care.  Keep on looking for a
competent rebuilder who _does_ have experience re-covering keys.

Cheers

Doug Rhodes