The vein ditch graver
Machining so-called inlay trenches is an essential step in violin making. This special recess, also known as a vein trench, is used to hold inlay shavings or the so-called "vein". The first step is to mark the future course of the inlay trench with a special scribe. After marking, the trench is precisely cut with the vein trench cutter. The third step is the careful excavation of the marked and cut inlay trench with a wire trench graver, also called wire trench lifter, a special cranked tool. This has a sharp cutting edge on the underside, which is used to ensure a smooth and level base surface in the insertion trench.
Having explained the process of creating the inlay trench, in the next section we would like to discuss the special tool, the vein trench graver.
A special violin making tool, vein trench lifter, is used to work on the vein trench after violin makers first carve two parallel lines with the vein trench cutter to the correct depth of the violin bottom or top. Using the vein ditch lifter, the wood remaining between the incised lines is gradually broken out. After this careful work, the inlay chip, which typically consists of three veneer strips (ebony/maple/ebony), is inserted into the prepared vein trench. It is important that the tip of the veining trench cutter is sharpened regularly to be able to produce a clean base of the inlay trench. In this way, the liner trench is gradually exposed.
The violin making spoon
The violin making spoon, also known as a cutter, is a cranked iron with an internal bevel. It is used for rough shaping of instruments such as violins, violas, cellos or basses. This tool can be used to roughly curve the back and top of the instrument. To avoid splitting out pieces of wood, you should always work against the direction of the split. The shape to be worked on is crucial for the use of the violin making spoon. Although it is mainly used in instrument making, this tool can also be used for other sculpting activities. The Swiss company pfeil is also our partner for this special tool. We therefore guarantee a high quality and durable carving tool.
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