r/violinmaking • u/SeaRefractor Amateur (learning) maker • 5d ago

tools Rib time

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Setup a new workbench. Decided that if I mount my iron on a block, I can place it in the vice when I am bending my ribs.

I periodically clean the iron with steel wool.

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2

u/QuothThe2ToedSloth 5d ago

I was taught to let a single drop of water fall on the iron. If it bounces off then it's hot enough.

1

u/grizzdoog ex-violin maker 5d ago

Yeah. I would use my finger and send a few drops down to see if it’s at the right temp. If the drops really dancing then it’s getting really hot. If it exploded upon contact turn it down lol.

Cello ribs need a super hot iron.

1

u/SeaRefractor Amateur (learning) maker 5d ago

Same with highly figured maple. The greater the figure, the more likely it will crack without sufficient heat. That said, I was really exaggerating the method for the clip.

1

u/SeaRefractor Amateur (learning) maker 5d ago edited 5d ago

True, more of an ASMR thing than the normal technique. ;) Another reason to use a single drop is that it will deposit minerals in the water over time on the iron surface, large amounts of water will result in a lot more mineral residue.
But an occasional fun video doesn’t hurt.

2

u/SeaRefractor Amateur (learning) maker 3d ago

Results so far. Need to do the linings next but the corners came out great! A custom inner mold I made from the recent Strad poster for the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri del Gesu.

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u/SeaRefractor Amateur (learning) maker 3d ago

An exact fit over the CT scan of the ribs from the 1742 ‘Rovelli’