Chapter 3 - Keyboard Con't.

Cutting apart the keys

In this chapter we will cut the keys apart and fit the keys onto their corresponding pins on the keyframe. Cutting the keys apart on a bandsaw is quite stressful in that the keys are not straight and the cuts must be made freehand. Any shaking will result in uneven gaps between the keys which may or may not effect the functioning of the key but will definitely effect the visual look of the keyboard.

The keyboard blank will be cut into individual keys using the bandsaw and scrollsaw. As none of the keys are straight, a fence is not needed. What is needed is a well-tuned bandsaw fitted with a sharp blade ¼” [6.3mm] to ½” [12.7mm] wide. Be certain that your blade is 90 degrees to the bandsaw table.

Cutting the keys apart is not a quick process. It can be quite tiring – more mentally than physically. The goal is to split the guide line all the way from the back of the key to the front. Don’t go too slowly – it invites shakiness. Make each cut from the rear of the keyboard to the front. Do follow the directions on the following pages to make your cuts in the correct order.

So let’s get calm and cut some keys.