joerobson

No

Varnish wise two instruments in the exhibit stood out for me. The Peter of Mantua 1690 with the one piece back had an extraordinary Varnish with less added color than the ones I am most familiar with. The del Gesu Ferni 1732. On my first glance at this violin across the table it appeared to me as a massive but poor retouch job. I was encouraged to take another look...and I was very wrong. This was an amazing Varnish example...most color I have examined on a del Gesu. Thanks to all who made the exhibit possible.

Thanks David

Are these times to a white instrument or varnished, or set up?

Yes! The essential materials do not change over the centuries....resin is resin, oil is still oil. The few unaltered surfaces are an amazing lesson in application. on we go, Joe

So fine!

Talk withJohn Simmers. He has an excellent shop line of instruments. SIMMERS VIOLINS - JOHN SIMMERS VIOLIN MAKER 20 Argyle St, RED HILL, QLD 4059, Australia +61 408 217 560 on we go, Joe

Yes. Balsam Ground + Aged Wood Gold + Stradivari Cochineal and Base Varnishes. See you there. on we go, Joe

This one is ready for show and tell at the VSA Convention. My presentation is Monday afternoon. on we go, Joe

Well said.

Well said

What is your application method? on we go, Joe

Thanks...

Absolutely

Small change in schedule...I'll give my presentation Monday and Matt Noykos will present on Thursday. on we go, Joe

Amber and the various Copals were all well known in the cabinet and carriage trades in the 1700's. Richard Martin,circa 1729, was made cabinetmaker to the royal family in France based on his "Vernis Martin". Like John, I was intrigued by the possibilities of amber as a ground. Raw pulverized Amber can be cold solved in oil of spike lavender. It takes about a year. Mixed with more pulverized Amber it made a nice sparkly ground....but the varnish didn't agree with it.... Here is a sample from the archives. on we go, Joe

It is a question of control. Using raw, unwashed, unbroken linseed oil will make a varnish. The cooks I have tried this way yielded a varnish with drying issues and a film that always appeared a bit "muddy".

Yes

Freezer...solid ice

Suggestions Get a large plastic soda bottle. Pour in the oil. Add water until nearly full. Shake vigorously. Allow the oil and water to separate. Freeze. Pour off the oil. Discard frozen dross. Repeat until water is clear. on we go, Joe

I do not use sand or salt when washing linseed oil for varnish making. on we go, Joe

Soldier on brother

Happy birthday Mike!

Back at the Bench. This one wants to be done for the VSA Convention in November. Balsam Ground + first application of Stradivari Ground Varnish

Well said.