Violin Making Workbook

Glue

Repair - Open Bout
Limits of opening are secured by closing clamps. An opening knife is used to (gently) scour old loose glue particles from the opening. They will fall inside the instrument. Sandpaper is then used to clean the gluing surfaces. Insert the paper into the opening and pull it out in the opposite direction of the grit (pull away from the grit side of the paper to minimize damage to the surrounding varnish). Heat the glue knife and the glue. Glue and clamp. Clean up while the glue is soft, taking care not to damage the varnish. Wait at least 60 minutes before removing the clamps. Clean with a damp paper towel after the clamps are removed. Shake the loose, dislodged bits of old glue from the instrument through the ffs. Touch-in joint with a brush and alcohol varnish and matching pigments.