8 replies to this topic

[Berl Mendenhall]

The other thread about measuring arch height got me thinking someone might be interested in the jig I use to measure arch height of "assembled instruments". I've had instruments here and seen violins that I wanted to measure the arch. I made this simple jig several years ago and have used it many times.

Here's how it works. It's made like spool clamps but square. I put one on each side of the instrument aliened with where I want to measure the arch. The clamps are covered with thin leather on the clamping surface. There's a straight ledge cut in the face of each top spool. I lay a straight edge in the ledge and clamp it in place. It's 18mm from the top edge of the plate to the bottom edge of the straight edge. If the plate is 4mm thick I add that to the 18mm ( 18+4=22mm ). I then use a small m m ruler to measure from the bottom edge of the straight edge down to the arch. In this case it's 7.5mm. I then subtract the 7.5mm from the 22mm to get the arch height of 14.5mm. It's a pretty simple jig, but it works very well.

Berl

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[Michael_Molnar]

[Nicolas Temino]

Interesting, but how do you know the plate thickness?

[bmccarthy]

This is only for measuring the arch height.

Interesting, but how do you know the plate thickness?

[Salve Håkedal]

My minimalist approach to this is in an old thread: here.

[Berl Mendenhall]

My minimalist approach to this is in an old thread: here.

I like your cut out. Same principle as my jig. I've had my jig for several years. I have no idea where I got the idea for it. I have a collection of old Strads that go back to the 1950's so it may have came from there.

Berl

[Nicolas Temino]

This is only for measuring the arch height.

I know, but you say you add 18 mm to the top thickness. Where do you get those 4 mm?

[bmccarthy]

It's the edge thickness.

Where do you get those 4 mm?

[Nicolas Temino]

Oh, I see. Thoght it was the plate thickness. I should pay more attention

It's the edge thickness.