One of the important tools I use in the workshop are casts taken from great antique instruments. Our collection includes old style casts made from Plaster of Paris and more modern and durable plastic resin casts. We use these at the bench as a reference or inspiration while copying an instrument while the actual instrument is back with it’s owner.

There are many ways to make casts off an instrument and while it is a safe procedure there is a lot of handling of the instrument. Many private owners of historic instruments or museums are hesitant to have this done.

An alternative technique we have been exploring is 3D laser scanning and 3D printing.  A while ago we scanned a violin by Francesco Ruggeri (from Cremona, Italy, 1672)  at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa.  The scanner collected data off the surface of the violin in the X, Y and Z  axis to form a virtual 3D computer model. With the data from the scan I had a solid 3D print made of the scroll. (shown below)

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

At the moment I’m organizing the 3D printing of the body of the Ruggeri violin.  From the 3D print I can take measurements, make templates and study to make a copy. I look forward to see how this technology can be futher incorporated into our workshop.