Jim Bress

Nick, check these out. “Our brass CT Finger Planes are made following the old Gewa models that are now unobtainable. The same in size and shape, the only difference is the blade lock which, instead of being a wooden wedge like the originals, is a tilting brass one with a locking screw. This ensures better stability and easier adjustment.” https://www.cremonatools.com/pialletti-ct-in-ottone-con-lama.html

I think $1000 is fair for the few that want it. I paid a bit more for a mint set a couple of years ago.

I don’t mind streaks of sapwood. It makes the FB look more like wood. If you do mind, it’s easy enough to blacken. Properly quartered, pore size, and run out are more important to me. I also avoid buying boards with obvious curl to the grain.

20 years as an aviation machinist. I also had a dog training business for most of that same time period. Then I changed gears, went to college and became a biologist/ecologist. I’m close to 20 years now in that field. When this 20 year career is done I plan to make violins full time (ish) for the next 20. I’ll probably take a break after that (maybe).

I’ve been using Temple.

Hi Erine, Yes! It made a spectacular instrument. Cheers, Jim

In your picture, those are most likely exit holes from beetle larvae from eggs that were laid before the timber was processed into billets.

If you felt the need to protect stockpile of tone wood Tim-bor is a good product that uses the ingredient (Disodium Octoborate Tetrahydrate) that Don mentioned. This is a surface treatment that can be washed off before using the wood. But I don’t think it’s necessary. Wood worms (beetle larvae) bugs don’t like dry wood. So if you’re storing your wood in a clean dry place, you’re good.

Nice color!

Varnishing is complete. Time for the setup. IMG_8445.mov

Beautiful Viola. The f holes and corners work well together. I don't see a lot of violas that can pull off looking delicate while being big.

I love these blocks! I made them a few years ago after seeing it on one of your videos.

I use progressively smaller jars.

Instead of a template, I've been using Matt Noycos's formula. Although it would be nice if my scroll template had the peg holes marked.

Well done!