Violin Forum/Message Board

[tomigv]

Am building my first double bass. Can you use tuners from an electric bass for tuners on a DB? I plan to build the bass from the following. Silver fir laminated top 3/4 sz. 1/4 in baltic birch back, 1/8 in baltic birch sides and a pecan neck considerably thinned down because of weight. i plan to use OSAGE ORANGE for the fb and tailpiece similiar density to brazil rosewood. Any suggestions about carving the top with a small chainsaw or carving attachment i have an angle grinder fitted with a 4 in tungstin carbide cutter Any suggestions would be apprecated this is my first bass ernie.
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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,

[Jack H.]

Those sound like some heavy duty power tools for making instruments!
I would recommend using gouges personally. They build character and muscles!
I am also a proponent of using an axe to chop down trees though.
Like the old proverb goes.
Chop your own firewood, it will warm you twice.

J

[tomigv]

Thanks Jack. I only use power tools to do rough work e.g. I was working on the db pecan scroll I roughed out the scroll with forstner bits . But am using inexpensive chinese carving chisels to clean cavity . Similiarly I cut the scroll saw out with a bandsaw. But will do all the fine work with knives, chisels, and spokeshaves. I do cut trees with chainsaws, but use axes, froes, splitting mauls, metal wedges etc to split out stock. I used the jointer to laminate the db top , but decided to use chisels, planes, and hand tools to carve the top. Did not feel confident using power tools to carve the belly, as this is my first db and I did not want to make mistakes in cutting too deep > very easy to do with power tools.shalom ernie
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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,