Ivory Piano Keys - Useful or Not?

Most will tell you they aren't since they won't be thick enough. However, most of my inlays don't go over .040" deep due to the limitations of the smaller cutters, so for things like that, they would have some use. I also do most of my inlay work when the cue is only .005" from finished size. The ones who say they won't work, I'm sure do it much earlier.

I don't know how thick the Ivory on Piano keys is as I've never used it. If it's at least .050, I don't see why you couldn't find some use for it. The silver sheets I buy are only .052" thick and that is used for any silver borders on inlays and all of my ringwork. I haven't clipped the edges on one yet that I can recall.

They are good for making Table Site diamonds and for stitch rings in cues. They can also be used for short butterflies between V groove points. Not much good for anything else as far as billiards goes.

The keys I just got my hands on recently were in great shape, not worn and they only measured in at .045 and .030 as they are only an overlay over a wood key blank. Good for stitch ring billets, IMO
Dave

Since I make pens as well as cues I have used piano key Ivory in the past.
It is a bit on the thin side for anything but the smallest of inlays.
Like small diamonds and dots.
I have never seen anything over .40" thick from a piano key.

Here are some pens I inlayed for a dealer a few years ago.

I like those pens. Maybe you should make some high end cues with matching pens for the wife. It might help her feel better about hubby getting the cue.

cueman said:

I like those pens. Maybe you should make some high end cues with matching pens for the wife. It might help her feel better about hubby getting the cue.

Click to expand...

Chris, I sell to a local market that is just not high end.
However, it is not the wife that likes the matching cue pens.
Even if it is a simple pen with only one design inlay element it adds a lot to the value of the cue to the owner.
He can be at work and think of his cue by using his pen.
I often make one and send it along with the custom cue as a gift.

Sometimes someone will contact me and send some photos to make a pen to match his cue.

Anyhow, The piano key ivory inlayed into pens is about the only Ivory I ever use.