The Bass Book, by Roger Hargrave

Rodger Hargrave is as far as I can tell, not just an expert, he is the expert. He makes violins, really good violins. As far as I can tell, perfect violins. But that is not all. He has a quick wit, amazing skills and serious expertise. All this and he has gracefully shared his methods. […]

Visit La Belle Note

Above is a Binding Groove Cutter or perhaps a Gramil exquisitely crafted and photographed by Christophe Mineau.

Christophe Mineau is a kindred soul and an amazing craftsman who is nine years younger than I am and a hundred years ahead of me in craftsmanship! His musical instruments are a delight, his tools a wonder […]

Rust Removal

There are a lot of simple ways to soak off rust. Here is a comparison of several of these. All the items used in these tests were totally covered in rust before treating.

On the left one part molasses to six parts water for one week. On the right citric acid in water for two […]

Testing For Lead

In my pursuit of toolmaking, I don’t want others to come to harm. I use a lot of odd bits and bobs to make things with. Brass and bronze have a special appeal. The problem is that these items can be full of lead. Leaded brass is easy to work and polishes up with ease.

[…]

A Spherification Rack, A quickly made Fixture from Split Prone Cedar.

Creme De Menthe Caviar on Haagen Dazs Vanilla Ice Creme

 

Sometimes you need to do molecular gastronomy, and you need to do it now!

Spherification is a rather nifty process where you react juice with sodium alginate in it and a calcium containing fluid to make little juice filled gelatin balls.

While adding […]