It Worked for Me: Pantograph

by Greg Nelson

Originally published in American Lutherie #110, 2012



A pantograph has become my solution for dealing with small pieces of shell for inlay work. This simple device has allowed me to upgrade the quality of my inlay work as well as speed up the process. This is especially true with repeat work such as a logo.

The pantograph is simply a series of rods connected in such a way that if one end is anchored and the other moved, a point between will move exactly the same but at a set fraction of the original movement. My pantograph is set up for a 50% reduction in size thereby giving me greater control of my cutting tool.