Part 12 (1/2)

Cra over the border at each end and quite on to the end of the bar James, after his repeated trials as to the closeness of the relation of the curve of the bar to that of the table, takes it to the chief as commanded, who expresses his satisfaction and orders the coh

The curved surface of the bar is wetted and so, the part of the table hich it is to be in contact is also wetted, but not lueing is done along the course on the table and the curved course of the bar; the latter is then placed in position and first one cra down is very gently done, Ja just how much and no more The hard brown paper between the cramps and their padded or corked ends prevents any injury to the varnish

For the central and adjacent portions of the bar to be pressed, Jaer reach, and treating all parts of the bar with gentle but sufficient pressure, being meanwhile careful that the pressure is not directed on one side but direct doards; he knows that if this is not strictly attended to, the bar will be twisted and when dry, or even finished, will not appear straight but curved along its course

Ja seen that this part of the operation has proceeded satisfactorily, places the table away to dry, and when so, the cra assuo on with the shaping down of the bar, which is done with a chisel held with the bevel doards, this being safer and less likely to slip

This having been done to the curving desired by the chief, the glass-papering to a nice even surface and finish is proceeded with, and the operationdown of the upper table This last is a final process that when done clumsily, hurriedly, or in e, if not positive destruction, to reatupon the precise , there should be a ation of the condition of the whole of the interior of the instrument

Without this there is the possibility of fine splinters of wood, or cracks, being left unattended to that may announce themselves when all is supposed to be in readiness for the bow, by a jarring, or, when the bow is applied, by a buzzing which will take all the knowledge, experience and guessing, perhaps ht to bear upon theperhaps that of the necessity of re-opening

If found out before closing down, neighbouring parts should be rigidly exaht, al, be frequently found to be much more extensive than was at first suspected

Gentle tappingsat the sahtest opening or fracture to show itself and be at once placed under treatment

When every test proves the instru up, preparations may be commenced

There is probably no one of the different details of repairing that gives ed upon it

It ht to be in the ood in every way for the purpose, and neatly done

The badhas been,the whole instruing it to ruin as a work of art, and to destruction as aby the ways adopted by rades of repairers, professional and aht to be a trifling lue on a brush rapidly round where the ribs are to co the craht, and, if the weather is cold, acting with e time that this perforood one

But not so by a really co repairer From his view this operation is to be one of the s in connection with the repairing or constructing of the violin

As with other processes, there isand that well

I recollect in early days being acquainted with an exceeding dexterous a, the principal part of whose furniture, in a large house, was his own individual and unaided work of violins, and of thely neat work, in fact, ahead in that respect of many professional makers of the time I often received frohi accurately and swiftly the upper table There was the difficulty of getting perhaps the two end parts in position and fixing with sufficient rapidity before the glue had stiffened or set at the other parts

He asked me why I wanted ”to do this all at once, instead of a part at a time? He never did it”

He then proceeded to show ht be applied to the two end blocks and the corresponding parts of the table that were to be affixed, and these cramped exactly and with co done, a very thin worn table knife could be used for working in glue at the other parts and the craested itself to me some time after, which in careful hands would be stillseen that the opposing surfaces or parts that are to be affixed to each other are quite level, fit each other, have been cleaned and are free frolue is neatly brushed round the parts requiring it, both upper table and ribs being treated The corner and end blocks, if neill require , and these to be allowed to dry, as the end of the grain is very absorbent

assulue is sufficient in quantity all round, it may be allowed to dry

The upper table can now be tested for a good fit by laying it, and noticing whether the ular or not; in so of this projection has to be made, especially when the instrument is very old, and bears evidence of rees of skill, experience and patience