Carving an ornate scroll for a five string conversion
Below is a quick slideshow of the process of carving a new scroll from scratch, including a custom ornate scroll back decoration.
For this scroll i am using two pieces of Queensland Maple laminated together to combat any warping. This method also gives me a built-in centreline.
I've installed a carbon rod in the neck and rough-shaped the neck and scroll on the bandsaw. It's a long pegbox to accommodate 5 strings.
The form of the scroll takes shape, working alternately on each side to keep the thing reasonably symmetrical!
The scroll is close to its final shape, i'm reasonably pleased with this so now its time to think about the back decoration
Lots of drawing, rubbing out, trying ideas. Working on a stylised fleur-de-lys and acanthus leaves.
I sketch my plan onto the flat back of the scroll to get an idea if it will work. Yeah its a go-er, so lets get to work!
The final drawing is glued to the scroll and I start by cutting the outlines with knives and gouges.
With the main outline shape established and the background lowered, I can start to shape the leaves. I've left the button unshaped at this stage to protect the edge which has some delicate endgrain.
Now the carving is looking nice, i flatten and texture the background with a stippling punch. The stippled areas will absorb more varnish and appear darker to highlight the leaves.
The leaves are sanded and burnished, and the whole thing made smooth. I'll finish scraping the turns of the volute, and do the chamfers.
Scroll carving is complete, with the tuning machine holes drilled. I still need to carve the chin into the neck.
The finished scroll is rather marvellous, I think!
I call the pattern a fleur-de-de-de-de-de-de-lys.