MIMF

HiCarl. It is difficult to answer your question without a pic or two showing the extent of the damage. That being said, I would still try to steam it off,unless a previous luthier mistakenly used CA;then patience and a lot of acetone might get you in the right direction. If you would like to use you...

Good job on that assembly jig! I've seen this type of jig used by a Brazilian luthier who makes violas da gambas. On my spool clamps,I fit clear plastic tubing over the vertical rods where they would likely come in close contact with the edges of the instrument to prevent damage to the edges.

Wouldn't a silicone-rubber heating strip work? Much less messy than steam, but somewhat more expensive(initially)than steam.

Thanks! Looking forward to any pics you have of your cello jig.

A comprensive full-size plan is available from Scott Antes @ Peregrine.com

Beg,borrow,or steal a copy of Violin Repair & Restoration by Hans Weisharr & Margaret Shipman. This is generally regarded as the "Bible" of violin type instruments repairing.. There, you will find some good information re: cello repair and related jigs. Warning! This book is insane...

Unique and cool!! How is the rigidity factor with those 2 upright posts?

Every city seems to have a bearing shop. In my town, it’s called American Bearings. If I take any bearing in to them, they measure it and come out from the back with an exact replacement. Only once in years did they have to order it. Find your bearing shop and you’re done. What Bob said! You can't ...

Charlie, would you like to sell your viol(as is?). I am a viol maker and would enjoy a challenge like that!

It all depends on the shape of gamba and whether you are going for the slanted back(among other things!). You are in for a lot of almost fruitless work. If you just want to play your cello like a gamba, you should remove cello strings(replace them with gamba strings),install frets on the fingerboard...

Hey Chuck! Does "Midnight Lutherie" ring a bell? Good to see most of the old gang on here tonight.

Aren't those the ones with wooden sandwich soles? Fred have you used those on bow woods? I wouldn't expect the soles to last long. I had one of that type long ago and the steel in the blade was awful. If you go down this or a similar road, if you happen to have some of the too soft Swiss brand knif...

I just bought a Ridgid ROS which uses the "hook & Loop"system for fastening the sanding discs to the motor pad. When the machine is turned on, it refuses to grip the sandpaper disc. I have inspected the retaining disc on the machine as well as the fuzzy-coat back on the sandpaper disc....

Bow making planes similar to Steve's can be purchased at your local Harbor Freight. They are made of brass,from India, and will require some minor sharpening and honing, but they are a good starting point for not much money(way under $20 for a matched pair). Hope this helps!

It also helps to have a wife who has a full time,well-paying job with benefits! I became a luthier because I was too nervous to steal,and too lazy to work.

Is there a violin maker near you? This might be a source of fret material from discarded violin /violin strings.
Good luck with your build!

Oops!! Sorry for the double post!

First, I'd like to thank Charlie for all of his help getting me back on here!! Now about the question of "authenticity" of stave bent viol fronts vs.carved fronts, I would like to mention an interesting article which appeared in the British journal Early Music(Oct 78) in this article, the ...

First, I'd like to thank Charlie for all of his help getting me back on here!! Now about the question of "authenticity" of stave bent viol fronts vs.carved fronts, I would like to mention an interesting article which appeared in the British journal Early Music(Oct 78) in this article, the ...

Truly lovely in all aspects!!!!!!
Frederick