Cutting the F-Holes

Before the top plate is further graduated, the f-holes are cut out.  The extra thickness in the top plate allows for added stability during cutting and provides room to adjust the arching after the f-holes have been cut.  The first step is to trace the f-holes onto the top plate using a plastic template and a pencil.  Then, the centers of the eyes are located, and a hand drill is used to drill a guide hole in the middle of each eye.  The guide hole is drilled at the angle of the arching.

This guide hole is then used for the center pin of a hand circle cutter, which is used to cut the eyes of the f-holes:

A fine saw is used to roughly cut inside of the pencil line connecting the eyes:

Then, the sides of the f-holes are cut to the pencil line with a knife:

The plastic template that was originally used to trace the f-holes can be used to check for irregularities:

At this point, the arching will be adjusted slightly and the top thinned further before the f-holes are finalized and the notches in their sides are cut -- issues that I will leave for a future blog entry.