Where to buy armguard hardware

[rchapman]

I know there are pretty cheap arm guards out there, but I enjoy woodworking as another hobby and like the idea of a handcarved armguard (and it's a good excuse to practice with some handtools).

I see many guards come with a clamp system, and you turn the arm/body of the clamp to squeeze the jaws together.

Does any one know where I can buy those? Or is there another method that uses other hardware?

[Jim Garber]

Most I have seen use viola chinrest hardware. International Violin is one good place to buy if you are in US. You may have to open an account to see some items.

[poul hansen]

You could buy a cheap armrest from China and only use the hardware.

[Rob Roy]

Violin chinrest hardware is available on ebay for a few bucks. You'll want to line the part that clamps on the top and back plates with cork or leather to prevent finish damage.

[mandroid]

Course correction: As said above, Viola , (not violin) is the parts .. viola rims are thicker, more like mandolins ..

(trick is it's both Rh & Lh threaded * so turning the thread matched barrel, pulls the top & back towards each other.

* Turnbuckles do that too..

[ajh]

For mandola/mandocello/guitar. I got the last of what Cumberland had maybe three-five years ago. The barrels are the same but the longer, bent male threaded shafts are hard to find.

[MikeEdgerton]

As has been stated you need viola chin rest hardware. The rest should be easy for someone familiar with woodworking.

A lot of people sell the clamps.

https://www.amazon.com/Homyl-Finest-...ruments&sr=1-1

[MikeEdgerton]

You can also buy just the longer barrels if you have violin clamps already.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/orch...SABEgIu5_D_BwE

[ajh]

Verify your clamping thickness......viola hardware might work. Might not. It did not work for mine.

[Mandobart]

For mandola/mandocello/guitar. I got the last of what Cumberland had maybe three-five years ago. The barrels are the same but the longer, bent male threaded shafts are hard to find.

The threads are 6-40 UNF (or close enough). I buy 1/8" brass rod and thread with a 6-40 die. No other option on a nearly 4" deep mandocello. Be sure to bend before you thread it. The thread cutting work hardens the surface and it will break if you try to bend afterward.

[Mandobart]

Verify your clamping thickness......viola hardware might work. Might not. It did not work for mine.

On line violin shops like Shar, Decor Music and others sometimes have 39 - 40 mm chinrest barrels. I also like to use Hill style hardware, which has two separate feet vs a continuous fixed width clamp foot against the back plate.