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13K views 26 replies 9 participants last post by  Ted78 
#1 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
 

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#2 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Nice! Titebond sells Hide glue… Rockler sells it, Lee valley sells the pellet one.
Good luck :)
 

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#3 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Thanks, I used to have a bottle of the liquid hide glue, but I want to use the pellets or flakes or whatever they are, mostly because I never have. I'll check out Lee Valley
 

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#4 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
I'd use regular PVA glue for the lamination. Save the hide glue for gluing the back and top to the ribs.
 

Attachments

#5 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Cosmicsniper can you elaborate on the reasoning behind your advice? My understanding is that the reason hide glue is used is because it's reversible so the instrument can be taken apart for repairs, Though I can't think on any repair that would involve taking the two halves of the back plate apart.
 

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#6 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Ted,

A joint using PVA is likely to to be quite visible. As for needing to take the joint apart, in 100 years it may be necessary, I recently had to fix back joints on two instruments. I never liked the glue LeeValley sells, try ordering it from a luthier supply, Internation Violin company, Stew Macdonald or LMII come to mind off hand. Also, glue is just gelatin, you can buy some dry gelatin such as Knorr brand at any supermarket, it comes out to costing a lot more. For repair work I buy gelatin from a health/organic food store, it works very well. I've never liked the Liquid Hide glue, it tends to be too thick, but I never tried heating it or thinning it.

Keep at it, I don't think the hard maple would have been a mistake, you can use anything you like really, tradition isn't always the most important thing, haven't you seen Fiddler on the Roof? Feel free to ask for any advice.
 

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#7 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
I'm not going to argue with a luthier, but in reference to my thought, I don't see a reason to join the plates with hide glue…and you kinda answered your own question as to the reason why. I just didn't see a reason to warm up a pot of hide glue for a simple plate joint.

I've never had an issue hiding a PVA glue line, as many a table top has been built among LJs with seamless PVA joints. Also, tons of quality instruments are built entirely with good old fashioned Titebond.

Obviously, hide glue is great, but it's not a beginners glue…and for that reason I doubt I'll be using it on my own guitar that I'm building right now.
 

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#8 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Violins are made with hide glue so that they can be disassembled every few years and reglued. I'm not sure why but they do this to good violins. You don't have to use hide glue. Titebond is fine. It's what other musical instruments are put together with. Just don't use it on the fredboard as that does need replacing at some point as it wears. But you can use white glue (elmers) We use it on guitar fretboards and it comes off with heat from an iron.
 

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#9 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
The joint is the one place I think I wouldn't use any other glue, differences of opinion and varying experience I guess :)

"Violins are made with hide glue so that they can be disassembled every few years and reglued. I'm not sure why but they do this to good violins."

I do not agree with this statement. Instruments should only be opened when in need of serious repair.
Complete disassembly/reassembly of a high end instrument (or even a cheap one) would cost you a minimum of $70 000 in a shop skilled enough to do such a thing, before any taxes; not exactly a tri-annual expense that many people can afford.

In violin making the choice of glue does not mitigate the need for repair, but it does determine the amount of effort necessary when it comes time to repair.
 

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#10 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Thanks for all comments and advice. Stoked to be able to get some advice from some people who actually know how to build instruments. Off to see if that box of Knox gelatin is still hanging around behind the cans of saurkraut and wax beans.
 

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#11 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Just so you all know, in the classic text, "Guitarmaking" by Cumpiano, he states, and I quote…

"The choice between animal and PVA glue is a matter of personal preference. We find the PVA glues to be far more convenient and generally more durable than hide glue, and we do not subscribe to the belief held by some luthiers that the organic nature of animal glues make them more suitable for instrument construction. While certain aspects of bowed instrument construction make hide glue clearly the adhesive of choice, for guitar building we use white and yellow PVAs almost exclusively."

He goes on to say, regarding the use of white vs. yellow PVA, that "yellow glues are for more permanent, durable joints, particularly in high stress areas (such as the soundboard center seam)." Alternatively, Campiano says you can opt for an AR glue, like the original Titebond. Incidentally, none other than the great Grit Laskin recommended only AR glues in his article many years ago in "Fine Woodworking" magazine. I suspect that this is because, similar to hide glue (only with more effort), AR glue can be deactivated by heat and moisture for repairs.

Now, if there is a something to specific to the violin, as Campiano mentioned (as well as did Phil above), then by all means step out in that direction. I would just be curious why hide glue is so superior for the center plate joint given that the same thing can be accomplished well with AR (Titebond I) or PVA (Titebond II)...assuming, of course, that you can get an invisible glue joint?
 

Attachments

#12 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
BTW, I didn't mean to hijack the blog thread. I appreciate all forms of luthiery and am glad you found the desire to pursue this violin, Ted.
 

Attachments

#13 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
No problem. If I had to wait to get hide glue in the mail I probably would have gone ahead and just glued it up with white glue. But for me the whole point of this endeavour is to try new things. And since I did have a box of gelatin in the cupboard. That's what I used.
 

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#14 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
"My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff."

Hi Ted. Not having any luthier experience, I wouldn't want to try advising you on suitable glues, but I can say that PVA glue is easy to accidentally smear onto a workpiece and almost invisible until you put a finish on it, while hide glue and presumably gelatin would be very easy see and to remove with a damp rag, unlike PVA where it just drives the glue further down into the grain making mechanical removal necessary, and not good on thin pieces. Good luck with your project.

Also I thank you for exactly defining my erratic/irrational approach to woodworking. I couldn't have said better myself!
 

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#15 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Thanks, a couple good reasons to go with the hide/gelatin route I hadn't thought of.
I went the gelatin route simply because I had never tried it before. I was worried about not having a glue pot (I saw they are kinda pricey online) but my crock pot filled with a bit of water and a jar for the glue sitting in it seems to work just fine.
 

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#16 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
I think a lot of people use those tiny crockpots, I just use a hot pot set barely above the lowest setting. If you ever do any basic repair it's useful to be able to boil water for redressing bent bridges. At my day job we use a single burner electric hot plate with a small pot. You're already doing great, keep it up, it'll be fun to see your finished product.

By the way, do you play violin?
 

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#17 ·
The begining. A hair brained idea at attempting something kinda crrazy.

Violin construction has always intrigued me and I got a bug in my bonnet about 10 years ago to make a violin. No, I haven't actually made one yet. Just a lot of false starts. I have carved a couple of tops and backs. first top I made I modelled (unwittingly) from a 3/4 size violin, I carved a back out of maple. I'd read somewhere that's what the backs and 'ribs' the sides are made of. Turns out they are made of soft maple and I used hard maple. I made myself an inside mold and built a couple set of ribs. This time out of nice soft silver maple, but they have since fallen apart or been lost over several moves. All in all I've been having a great time dabbling here and there in my ignorance.

If someone's goal is to make a violin I would strongly suggest attending some sort of violin making school, but making a violin isn't really my goal. My goal is to revel in the process, re-invent the wheel, have a project with absolutely no time-line or deadline, get in over my head, push the boundaries of my woodworking skills. Probably right off the cliff.

About a year ago my parents had a big old silver maple cut down in their yard. I had them a save a couple of good sized logs, and we split them into wedges. I'd set this wood on the back porch about a year ago and was reminded of it recently when I came across a broad axe for six bucks one of those consignment antique/vintage crap stores. I hit gold, the broad axe, a couple of socket handled chisels for 50 cents each, a little smoothing plane for eight bucks. and a craftsman adjustable brace bit for a buck, but I digress.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Composite material Lumber

Wood Hand tool Saw Gas Automotive tire

I trimmed them down with my new broad axe, knocked of the real high points with a makeshift scrub plane, then quickly gave in to temptation and jointed the pieces on the big ole' 8" jointer.

Wood Automotive tire Bumper Flooring Floor


Now I have my book-mathced quarter split blanks. Just need to figure out where to buy some hide glue locally. to glue them up.
Those little crock pots used to be all over the Goodwills I'll have to go see if I can find one.
As a child I made some horrible noises for about seven years, I'm not sure you could cal it 'playing'. My son is plays the oboe, and his mom is quite a talented strings player.
 

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#18 ·
Day Two, glue,making ribs, and blocks.

With some great advice from some LJ members I cooked up some Knox gelatin glue to put the back together.
Product Book Drinkware Wood Publication


I mixed up one packet of gelatine with some water in a little glass jar and stuck that jar in the crock pot with a few inches of water in the bottom.
Liquid Fluid Ingredient Cuisine Gas


Then I brushed in onto the to the two halves and rubbed them against each other while sitting on a flat surface, in this case the bed of my jointer. (My bench isn't very flat, and I don't think the glue will stick to the waxed top of the jointer.

huh? guess I missed that picture. Oh well, I suspect everyone here has seen two pieces of wood stuck together before.

On the the ribs!
Liquid Fluid Ingredient Cuisine Gas


With some of the scrap leftover from hacking out the back pieces I cut some thin strips for the ribs. It's pretty slow going on my band saw but it does work. (check out my high dollar fence. It took three whole pieces of scrap wood and FOUR brand new drywall screws. It's been serving me well for many years.)

Wood Milling Bandsaws Drilling Pneumatic tool


I think traditionally the ribs are trimmed down to the right thickness using scrapers, or maybe some fancy plane, but I have neither any cabinet scrapers or planes precise enough for the job so drum sander chucked in drill press it is.
it
Wood Textile Beige Gesture Flooring

I 'scraped' the ribs with a razor blade just to smooth them up a bit.
I just now remembered in the past I have used the back of my Harbor Freight flush cut saw burnished with a screwdriver shaft for scraping things, and it worked pretty well. managed to get little shaving not just dust like you get with a blade.

On to the corner blocks
Hand tool Wood Burin Metalworking hand tool Scratch awl

Oops, and that's all I have to say abut that.

One plywood pattern later, thanks to the mold I still had around from a previous attempt and a couple of different diameter washers to draw in the corners.
Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Tool


I think willow is what was used originally but I don't have any right now so I made the top and bottom blocks out of pine, and the smaller two corner blocks out of poplar. The straight grain of the poplar makes shaping them pretty straight forward but still time consuming trying to keep everything square.
 

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#19 ·
Day Two, glue,making ribs, and blocks.

With some great advice from some LJ members I cooked up some Knox gelatin glue to put the back together.
Product Book Drinkware Wood Publication


I mixed up one packet of gelatine with some water in a little glass jar and stuck that jar in the crock pot with a few inches of water in the bottom.
Liquid Fluid Ingredient Cuisine Gas


Then I brushed in onto the to the two halves and rubbed them against each other while sitting on a flat surface, in this case the bed of my jointer. (My bench isn't very flat, and I don't think the glue will stick to the waxed top of the jointer.

huh? guess I missed that picture. Oh well, I suspect everyone here has seen two pieces of wood stuck together before.

On the the ribs!
Liquid Fluid Ingredient Cuisine Gas


With some of the scrap leftover from hacking out the back pieces I cut some thin strips for the ribs. It's pretty slow going on my band saw but it does work. (check out my high dollar fence. It took three whole pieces of scrap wood and FOUR brand new drywall screws. It's been serving me well for many years.)

Wood Milling Bandsaws Drilling Pneumatic tool


I think traditionally the ribs are trimmed down to the right thickness using scrapers, or maybe some fancy plane, but I have neither any cabinet scrapers or planes precise enough for the job so drum sander chucked in drill press it is.
it
Wood Textile Beige Gesture Flooring

I 'scraped' the ribs with a razor blade just to smooth them up a bit.
I just now remembered in the past I have used the back of my Harbor Freight flush cut saw burnished with a screwdriver shaft for scraping things, and it worked pretty well. managed to get little shaving not just dust like you get with a blade.

On to the corner blocks
Hand tool Wood Burin Metalworking hand tool Scratch awl

Oops, and that's all I have to say abut that.

One plywood pattern later, thanks to the mold I still had around from a previous attempt and a couple of different diameter washers to draw in the corners.
Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Tool


I think willow is what was used originally but I don't have any right now so I made the top and bottom blocks out of pine, and the smaller two corner blocks out of poplar. The straight grain of the poplar makes shaping them pretty straight forward but still time consuming trying to keep everything square.
Wood Milling Bandsaws Drilling Pneumatic tool

Replace second picture of glue with with this one.
Sorry not sure how to edit a post.
 

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#21 ·
Plugging away

Wood Musical instrument String instrument Auto part Metal


I have have all the ribs formed, and glued onto the blocks. Wife's old curling iron (shhh) makes a fine bending iron. The linings were more difficult than I anticipated. I ended up using a small branch from a goofy tree in my backyard. I think it's some sort of cultivated form of birch, but it has pendulous branches like a willow. Whatever it is it worked alright. Still not thrilled with the how they came out so might take them out and try again. Practice makes,,,,,well an improvement over the first attempt I hope.
Wood Circle Metal Household hardware Fashion accessory


Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Musical instrument


Wood Hand tool Hardwood Circle String instrument


Chair Wood Tints and shades Beige Pattern
 

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#22 ·
Plugging away

Wood Musical instrument String instrument Auto part Metal


I have have all the ribs formed, and glued onto the blocks. Wife's old curling iron (shhh) makes a fine bending iron. The linings were more difficult than I anticipated. I ended up using a small branch from a goofy tree in my backyard. I think it's some sort of cultivated form of birch, but it has pendulous branches like a willow. Whatever it is it worked alright. Still not thrilled with the how they came out so might take them out and try again. Practice makes,,,,,well an improvement over the first attempt I hope.
Wood Circle Metal Household hardware Fashion accessory


Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Musical instrument


Wood Hand tool Hardwood Circle String instrument


Chair Wood Tints and shades Beige Pattern
Looking good! I think the linings were tough to bend because they look quite thick, normally on a violin you'd make them 1.8mm, and even then they can be pretty difficult to bend without cracking or compressing. You can file out little kinks in the ribs, just don't get them too thin, I wouldn't let them get less than 1mm. Are you planing to put the linings on both sides before you remove the mould? I've heard that some people do that, apparently the whole thing is flexible enough, though I've never done it that way. I use a collapsible form to make removal easy.
 

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