Re: Just Starting Out

Marcus,

Purfling is the thin line of inlay which runs around the outline of
the violin (on the top and bottom plates). It is usually a "three
lines" type with two dark strips of wood on either side of a light
(often holly) core overall size is about 3/32 wide. Fun part is
mitering the corners and getting the lines to match up. The groove is
cut with a "purfling tool", which looks like two exacto blades in a
common holder with an adjustable 'fence' to set the distance in from
the edge of the work.

Guitars also (sometimes) have this sort of edge treatment, but in
guitars it is called "bindings"...

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

> What on EARTH is "Purfling"?????
> Sounds like something you'd be embarassed to have been caught at!
> Is the "fully purfled" state a desirable one to reach?
> Marcus