Here the bottom block of spruce is being hand sanded to a perfect shape (mark the block 'up' on the up side of the mold for proper fit on glue up). Sandpaper plus spacer under = 0.040".
..Be sure end and corner blocks have the proper Wood Tone {198, 213 or 242 HZ} and # 22 Rub Tone.
Make the blocks from top plate scrap wood if at all possible!
This photo shows the fitted head or 'top' block in position. Notice how the centerline mark lines up with the centerline mark on the master mold.
..Cut end block stock: 1 10/32" tall minimum; 0.6" deep and 2.0" wide..
quarter sawn as shown in photo.
In this overhead view the two end blocks and the four corner blocks are laid in position. As all four corner blocks are uniquely shaped, I have pre machined these from molds derived from this master mold, which in turn was produced from the carefully measured 1714 Stradivarius violin drawings by author David Herrin-Allen in about 1885 A.D. in England, from his book: "Violin Making as it was.. and is"
Now all is in readyness to begin the rib bending process. First, the (6) 'cut to the proper length' ribs are soaked in a water [rain or distilled] and fabric softner solution for about 1/2 hour. You may have to weight the ribs down to keep them under water as they will want to float to the surface {use non rusting metal weight, to prevent rust stains }.
Modified 9/2017
Page O16C_15
1.181" High
1.260" High
Mold rib taper shape
