Instructions for Tilt Block Installation
Fitting the 'Peg Leg' is a straight forward operation requiring only the ability to
measure and cut accurately and to use a Drill Press safely.
These instructions are designed to help achieve the following: That the hole to be drilled in the
Tilt Block has a center line that corresponds as closely as possible to the center line of the
existing endpin hole. Extend and then carefully 'sight' the existing endpin. If it is in
fair alignment with the instrument both in the horizontal and the vertical axis follow the
instructions below. If not, the note at the bottom of the page should be consulted along with
steps (1) to (4).
1. Mark and cut the Tilt Block such that it fits as closely as possible between the Top and
Bottom Plates of the instrument, but without introducing tension.
Modify the beveled face of the upper Block to match the 'overhang' of the top plate of
the instrument being worked on.
2. With this done, position either edge of the Tilt Block so that you can mark the highest and
lowest point of the existing Endpin Hole on the edge of the Block.
(Take care to hold the Block tight against the upper or top plate while finding these points.)
Use a rule to find the center point between these marks. This point corresponds to the distance
from the Top of the Block that the center of the Hole to be drilled needs to be placed. A square
and a rule will be helpful in transferring this mark to the front face of the Block. This mark
should be placed on the center line of the Block, a distance of 1-3/8" from either edge.
3. The Anchor Knob supplied is designed to be placed in a hole 1-1/2" in diameter, which
needs to be drilled in the correct position of the Tilt Block, as found in step (2). For the
sake of safety and accuracy the Block needs to be securely mounted in a jig or clamped directly
to the drill press. DO NOT HOLD THE BLOCK WHILE DRILLING IT.
The end of the Anchor Knob that protrudes from the back of the block needs to be whittled such
that it fits snugly in the existing Endpin Hole.
Should the existing Endpin hole be very much smaller than the 1-1/2" diameter Anchor Knob
supplied and the reader has access to a lathe, it would be preferable to turn down the Anchor
Knob to match a stock size drill, i.e. 1-1/4" or 1", and then whittle the 'end'
of this smaller Anchor Knob to fit the existing Endpin Hole. Stain and/or varnish may be applied
at this point.
4. To bolt the Block to the instrument a length of wire, such as a straightened coat hanger, will
be of assistance. Thin the backing flange as necessary so that it can be inserted into the body
of the instrument through the f-hole.
A small hole into which the tip of the wire will fit tightly will allow the wire to be used to
position the flange at the rear of the Endpin Hole, thus allowing the bolt mounted in the Anchor
Knob to be threaded into the backing flange and tightened.
Tighten such that the Block is pulled tight to the instrument, but not excessively so.
Note: If the existing Endpin hole is drilled at an angle with respect to the center line of the
instrument this should be taken into account when whittling the inner end of Anchor Knob. Bear
in mind that the front portion of the Anchor Knob will be in fair alignment with the instrument
when bolted in place through the Tilt Block; the whittled portion of the Knob should deviate in
the direction of the existing Endpin Hole, and be a snug fit.
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