A Strad Inspired Violin - Log 9/14/09 to 9/15/09

Monday and Tuesday (9/14-9/15/09)

Marking and Incising the Purfling Groove


Comparing the photographs from the previous entry it is possible to see the refinements Ben has made in shaping the arch and groove of the violin back. At this point is the preferable time to mark the purfling groove and cut it before inlaying it.

Below Ben is marking a side of the groove with a purfling marker tool. Often the sides are marked one at a time with single bladed markers.

After the initial markings the side must be cut deeper with a knife making a couple of passes to the proper depth of 1.5 to 2 mm depending on the purfling material and the level of completion of the violin channel surrounding the arch.

Finally the groove itself is cut out between the two incised sides with a knife.

When all of this hand work is completed on the top and back the actual gluing of the purfling into the groove can be done.

While the spruce top yields fairly easily to the knife the hard maple back can be a slow and arduous task.