Violin Forum/Message Board

H.R.Fisher · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 2:14 pm Post subject: Redwood for corner blocks

I have a good supply of clear heart redwood of which I have thinking of useing for corner blocks. Will this work ok? Appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks Henry

MANFIO · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 2:20 pm Post subject:

I'm using Michigan black willow for the blocks and linings on my current viola and liked it very much, it's very light.
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Jack H. · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 2:48 am Post subject:

I am not sure how the acid in the wood will react to the glue...
try it out on some test pieces first.
glue both endgrain and the other surfaces.

Andre Paul · Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:47 pm Post subject:

Hi HR!

I use spruce from demolition material dating from the 1920's
It is super dry and very light and cost me nothing.

Andre Paul

M_A_T_T · Member Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 43

I think I looked at some Redwood when I was about to make my first violin. It had a strong aroma I liked but then I noticed it was HEAVY compared to an equally sized piece of Western Red Cedar I picked up, so I went with the Cedar.
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MANFIO · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 7:52 pm Post subject:

Hi MATT! I used a local light wood, I thought it was lighter than spruce, till the day I weigthned it... and spruce was lighter... now I'm using Michigan black willow (many pros use it), quite light, quite a good material for blocks and linings, and quite light too.
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tomigv · Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject:

I concur with manfio. Test the redwood first.I notice that it has a tendency to split very easily along the grain and sometimes doesn/t take to titebond glue . very well . i/d stick with black willow easy to carve and glues well. I don/t like spruce for blocks and linings . too stringy , harder to carve than willow. willow is easier to work with knives. My 2 cents Test first and see what works for you
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I am very interested in violin and bow making. Have quite a few interesting bows and a large cache of pernambuco. I like to experiment using local midwest hardwoods,