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Comment by Scufflegrit on April 2, 2014 at 6:01am

Another trick I've learned while filing f-holes is to angle the file about 30 degrees so that you are removing more material inside the box than outside. This thins the area surrounding the holes and allows the soundboard to vibrate more freely and pump more air.

Comment by Scufflegrit on April 2, 2014 at 5:58am

Yeah, I don't like to use my scroll saw on boxes, too cumbersome. I only use it for bridges and intricate headstock designs. When I mark the holes, I use a framing square to keep everything symmetrical. I don't use templates since every box is different. While I love the gretsch f-hole design, I think they are too large for CB's. I try to keep them close to Cremonese in style, with the center cut 1/4" wide, tapering down to 1/8". Depending on the size of the box, I will drill the corner holes between 1/4-5/8". For me, the goal is to make functioning sound holes. Looking good comes second.

Comment by Paul Cooper on April 2, 2014 at 1:49am

Thanks for the answer,  You do a wonderful job free hand.  I will have to try your method.  I have been using a scroll saw and have a heck of a time making the halves the same.

Comment by Scufflegrit on April 1, 2014 at 1:09pm

For f-holes, I lightly pencil the design on, usually just freehand it with a ruler. Then I use a small bit to drill a few pilot holes. From there, I use carving chisels to get them roughly in shape, and file them clean once I'm finished. The bridge plate was made from some leftover aluminum chimney flashing.

Comment by Paul Cooper on April 1, 2014 at 12:08pm

Beautiful job on the f-holes what. How did you do them?  Very nice decorative bridge bottom, what material is it made from?  Thanks for the inspiring pictures!