The first thing necessary in putting on new ivory is to equip one's self with the proper tools for doing such work. Here is a list of tools that is well to carry in the grip (tool case - ed.) if one expects to put on any ivories and make any kind of job out of it, viz: One good scraper, one 1/4" chisel, one 6 inch medium fine file, one good pocket knife, several second hand ivories of various shades and lengths, 4/0 sandpaper, 3/0 pumice stone, several ivory clamps, and a quantity of glue which I will mention later on.
First, clean all old glue off of the key, being careful to keep the surface level. Next, take the 1/4 inch chisel, lay it on edge with the point against the end of the tail ivory and draw it gently across the end of same several times, which will perfectly clean off the old joint. Next, take the knife and carefully scrape the top edge of the tail ivory which will clean off the burr left by the chisel and also make it possible to see when you have a perfect joint. Now select from your supply of second hand ivory the one best suited to your requirements and place same on some flat surface which will make it possible to file the jointed end; draw your file gently across this end, being careful to keep said joint end true or square with the file; then remove the burr caused by the use of the file and scrape in the same manner as done with the tail ivory. This method of procedure will always make it possible to see when you have a good joint.
Next comes the glueing. For this purpose I use a cement which I make myself; the formula is as follows, viz: Take a quantity of Le Pages glue and stir in French zinc (in powdered form) until the mixture is perfectly white. If, however, the mixture is too thick, thin with vinegar to the desired consistency. Next, put on a thin coat of the cement and clamp in the usual manner, being careful to hold the ivory firmly to keep from slipping, as it is very necessary that no cement ooze up through the joint, as this will produce a thin black line at the joint which will be impossible to remove. Let this work stand for an hour and a half at least. It is a very dangerous operation to polish this ivory after standing so short a time; however, if much care is used this can be done successfully.
To polish, scrape the ivory in the usual manner being careful not to hollow out the tail piece back of the joint, then sand with 4/0 sandpaper after which rub with 3/0 pumice stone and alcohol, then polish with French whiting and alcohol.
Next place the key in the key-frame and if found too long, draw the file across the end gently until it is the proper length, then shape the corners to match.
