B & B Artigiana is a family company that was founded in 2012.
ABOUT US
Alessia, Mauro and Marco are the core of the company
which places great emphasis on the quality of its people and of the work done;
The company draws on the entire history of Lombard craftsmanship and can trace its artisan roots to the 1950s.
Today, it continues this tradition with the creation of professional handmade tools
for sculpting, cabinet making and violin making.
At the same time, we feel our American partner, Sculpture House Inc., deserves a special mention for its role in our growth. Sculpture House Inc., It has been a leader in the production of quality tools, materials and accessories for sculpting since 1883. Similarly, our dear friend Bruner Barrie: has provided us with invaluable help, support and skill. He is – and will remain – a central part of our company as we move into the future!
TRULY UNDERSTANDING STEEL
We make our tools using artisan techniques that have been tried and tested over the centuries.
Every one of our tools has a unique production cycle that perfectly matches the shape, size and version of that specific tool.
Every tool we creates starts from a bar of steel.
CREATING GOUGES AND CHISELS
Creating such tools is really an art. They are forged from a steel alloy that guarantees demanding quality standards for hardness, toughness, precision and durability.
They are the ideal solution for the demanding requirements of a professional sculpture or a true enthusiast.
1. CUTTING THE STEEL
We cut our steel bar, with a high proportion of carbon, to the desired length for the tool we are about to make.
2. SHAPING
This cut bar is then heated to 950/1000° C and placed on top of the mould, on the screw press, to create the basic shape.
3. SECONDARY HEATING
The moulded piece is placed in the furnace at a high temperature to flatten the molecules and soften the steel so it is easier to work.
4. GRINDING
We manually remove any excess material, grinding the semi-processed tool into its final shape.
5. STAMPING
We stamp B & B Artigiana brand and code onto every gouge and chisel.
6. TEMPERING
We then harden and temper the steel to achieve the perfect hardness/toughness (HRC 59-61).
7. TUMBLE FINISHING
We remove any perfections that formed during the previous stages, leaving our tools shiny.
8. SHARPENING
We finish a piece by sharpening it, whether a chisel or gouge, to the optimal sharpness
CREATION OF RASPS AND RIFFLERS
The care and detail that Mauro Bassoli puts into making these rasps
makes them the perfect option for artistic creations with wood and an essential addition to your workshop.
1. CUTTING THE STEEL
We cut this steel bar to the size needed to create the desired tool.
2. SHAPING
This cut bar is then heated to 950/1000° C and placed on top of the mould, on the screw press, to create the basic shape.
3. SECONDARY HEATING
The moulded piece is placed in the furnace at a high temperature to flatten the molecules and soften the steel so it is easier to work.
4. GRINDING
We manually remove any excess material, grinding the semi-processed tool into its final shape.
5. PUNCHING
Our rifflers and rasps are punched by hand, using a hammer and chisel to manually raise each tooth, one by one.
6. STAMPING
We stamp the B & B Artigiana brand and code onto every rasp and riffler.
7. CARBON ADDITION AND TEMPERING
We add extra carbon to the steel before tempering it to achieve the perfect hardness.
8. SANDBLASTING AND OILING
We remove any incrustations with a jet of air and sand before applying a film of protective oil that increases durability.