Advise on a discovery for inlays.

[topcat1953]

Recently discovered this box containing approximately 500 piees of piano keys. They are all ivory.
I am guessing they would be perfect for inlays?
Any value here?

 

[patrickcues]

It would depend upon the thickness of them. I have had several of the that was to thin to use. And I have also had some that was thick enough to use. Ussually around .100 thickness is what a lot of us use. and in some cases .125 thick.

I hope this helps you!

 

[ratcues]

Almost all of those are not usable for cue inlays. They are not even close to thick enough. The only thing I see them get used for, in this industry, is for sights on tables.

 

[KJ Cues]

Well, they could also be used to inlay in slotted billets if you can machine or sand them to proper thickness.

 

[blackpearlmaker]

that stuff is perfect for slotted ring billets

 

[deanoc]

I could use piano keys for a friend in piano restorind
But i have a box for myself,i haveoffered them to better cue makers and they all said that they were too thin to be of any use
Dean

 

[whammo57]

piano keys

I have a full set of piano keys from a piano built in 1884. Known as "preban ivory."

I checked online and they were worth $18 each,,,,,,,

You could be rich.

Kim

 

[cueman]

I have a full set of piano keys from a piano built in 1884. Known as "preban ivory."

I checked online and they were worth $18 each,,,,,,,

You could be rich.

Kim

Someone on line saying they are worth $18 each and finding someone to pay it are two totally different matters. If I found someone willing to pay me $18 each for them I might could get rich, if I could keep the buying source a secret, as they usually bring less than $2 each. Making $16 or more profit on them would indeed be a get rich formula. I would gladly let you have mine at $9 each and you can double your money on them.

 

[Cuetips]

I've got about 5000 pieces, I would let you have for $1 each ( I have 3 piano repair guys that give me all they have once a year). Sorry Chris, not trying to undercut you, just saying they are easy to come buy if you check around.

I've used them the past as inlays on the top of joint protectors and I've used them for rings in joint protectors as well.

 

[cueman]

I've got about 5000 pieces, I would let you have for $1 each ( I have 3 piano repair guys that give me all they have once a year). Sorry Chris, not trying to undercut you, just saying they are easy to come buy if you check around.

I've used them the past as inlays on the top of joint protectors and I've used them for rings in joint protectors as well.

My post was definitely not trying to sell any keys. It was just a poor attempt at humor to try and show how high the $18 figure is.

 

[Cuetips]

My post was definitely not trying to sell any keys. It was just a poor attempt at humor to try and show how high the $18 figure is.

My sense of humor is poor as well, as I was trying to do the same but in reverse. Liker you said, $18 a piece is nice, but reality is reality

 

[greyghost]

laminate them together and make they make some sick guitar pics....

 

[ratcues]

laminate them together and make they make some sick guitar pics....

I figured you played a banjo.....:grin:

 

[macguy]

It would depend upon the thickness of them. I have had several of the that was to thin to use. And I have also had some that was thick enough to use. Ussually around .100 thickness is what a lot of us use. and in some cases .125 thick.

I hope this helps you!

Although not necessarily of value to cue makers does not mean they are worthless. Scrimshaw artists like this stuff. They can be mounted on a backing or used in a number of ways. It it not always a draw back to be old cracked or worn either. They can create pieces that have an authentic aged look that is often very desirable. The problem is, they are not rare you find them all the time but still worth something.

 

[Cue Guru]

Besides the obvious thickness issue, another thing to keep in mind is that these have been exposed to greasy fingers for countless years...

Ivory does have porosity, and I would be very leery about using this particular ivory as these oils tend to come out when you least expect or want them (either gluing up or applying finish). I could see some nasty fish eyes coming out where these pieces were used.

I was initially interested for other inlay use, but based on this realization, I think I'll pass on them.

 

[greyghost]

I figured you played a banjo.....:grin:

not yet.....maybe one day...still working on the 6 string animal

 

[cueman]

Besides the obvious thickness issue, another thing to keep in mind is that these have been exposed to greasy fingers for countless years...

Ivory does have porosity, and I would be very leery about using this particular ivory as these oils tend to come out when you least expect or want them (either gluing up or applying finish). I could see some nasty fish eyes coming out where these pieces were used.

I was initially interested for other inlay use, but based on this realization, I think I'll pass on them.

Just flip them over and use the underside for the top and I don't think you will have any problems. Actually I don't think the top would cause you any problems either, but to be safe flip them over.