Violin Forum/Message Board

BK · Member Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 60

Just curious what material people prefer for pins to hold the top plate.

I have seen references to both metal and wood. I am assuming that a dowel of wood would generally be preferred, as it would have less of a chance to effect (ie -dampen) the sound/vibrations of the top plate. Not sure if there would really be a benefit to using metal, besides strength. Of course, once the hide glue is applied, I would imagine that would be more than adequate.

Michael Darnton · Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:25 am Post subject:

I don't understand why anyone would use metal?
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okawbow · Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:18 am Post subject: pins

I use temporary metal pins during early construction. I replace these with wooden pins before cutting the purfling channel.

L P Reedy · Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 3:22 pm Post subject:

I use panel nails (1/16") as working pins. After glue-up I pull them, enlarge the holes slightly and plug them with wood. I'm not sure why except that's the way I've always done it and as clumsy as I am I would probably break a wooden pin now and then.

BK · Member Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 60

OK, so it sounds like most people just use them as a temporary holder.

Courtnall mentions the use of "steel" pins. On further investigation, it looks as though they are using them for the same intent. Just as place holders.

Michael Darnton · Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 7:56 pm Post subject:

The nice thing about steel pins is you can buy them in one pound boxes at the hardware store. But ultimately you have to put in wood, so why not start with it. I don't think it really matters, though, as long as you finish with wood.
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BK · Member Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 60

Yes, I agree. I think I'll probably start with wood. It will give me a sense for how the wood will fit, ect.

Dave Chandler · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 7:57 pm Post subject: Pins

Hardwood tooth picks, the nice round ones work pretty good.

Sometimes, just for grins, I'll make pins from large slivers of ebony, shaved down into nice neat round pins.
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FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

Personally, as a repairer/restorer, I hate pins. They really complicate getting the top off when repairs are necessary. With no pins, you only have to break the glue joint. With pins, you have to either cut through the pins, or, in some cases you have to pry them out of the block or top. Please, after using steel pins as place holders, just put in a short, square end pin, that doesn't go into the block.
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L P Reedy · Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 4:35 pm Post subject:

Certainly a matter of opinion. I recently repaired a fiddle that I was very grateful DID have pins. The neck was out and the top block was loose from both the front and back and the ribs. The only thing keeping things in line was a pin through the top into the block. Made it a piece of cake to reglue everything. I've had minor problems with pins but nothing to get excited about.

Dave Chandler · Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 11:11 pm Post subject: Pins

I second Lyle's experience. A pin might have slowed the process in a fiddle I recently fixed where the plate was no longer attached to the upper block, and the entire fiddle was starting to collapse toware the lower end.

To cut a wooden pin, you can take an extra pallet knive and cut some teeth into it to cut through them if you need. Not that hard to do.

Metal pin -- no even a consideration.
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"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo