The rib-matting machines I have seen in Germany can produce a pattern similar to the one seen on that lovely Scott.

The ribbed barrels are fixed to a carriage which rides horizontally on a very long bed. Overhead, the cutter is simply a bit shaped like the end a flat file, cut with the desired shape and number of grooves. The head containing the bit "wiggles" back and forth at an adjustable rate as the rib passing underneath is engraved. The amplitude of the "wiggle" varied with the speed of the carriage and shape of the cutter, provides an almost infinite number of possible patterns.

Best,

c.

Last edited by C. Kofoed; 10/07/11 10:15 PM.