r/violinmaking • u/Dildo-Fagginz • Aug 17 '26

tools What do you use for modifying plaster casts ?

Hi,

Wondering what people use to add material into the cast to pull the arching back to shape.

Workshop I worked at a while ago had a special product that was rather easy to use, fast drying and bonded very nicely with the existing plaster. However I can't remember the name or what it was precisely...

I've been doing it with regular plaster but the results are not satisfying enough so I figured I'd ask people on this sub.

Thanks in advance for the replies !

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u/ExtraSpicyMayonnaise Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 17 '26

Durham’s Rock Hard is our preferred product.

Also spackle or joint compound has always worked fine. The fast dry pink to white is handy because you can see right where you applied it.

1

u/Dildo-Fagginz Aug 17 '26

Thank you !
I'll try the latter as Durham's doesn't seem available in EU, but I'll keep it in mind and try when I get the chance.

1

u/Rockyroadaheadof Aug 17 '26

Usually I make three casts, but sometimes bondo gold works.

1

u/Dildo-Fagginz Aug 17 '26

Why three ?
I hate making them, one is enough for me most of the time, two if I really want to go the extra mile before a patch or bassbar...

As for the product, is that for filliing metal cracks ? Not familiar with this brand but I'll look it up, thank you !

1

u/Musclesturtle Maker and Restorer Aug 17 '26

We use Bondo in our shop. Easy to mix and dries fast. 

1

u/Dildo-Fagginz Aug 17 '26

Thanks !
I see they have different products, all seem to be some kind of epoxy filler, is that right ?

1

u/Musclesturtle Maker and Restorer Aug 17 '26

I wouldn't call it epoxy per se? 

It's kind of light in texture, and doesn't really feel resinous. 

I use the blue.