F hole planning

[Jay Wood]

Hey folks,

I posted this on the ANZL forum as well, apologies for the cross-post.

I've been lurking for a while but this is my first post. I'm building my first archtop, and I'm close to finishing the outside arches. I plan to cut the f holes by hand (coping saw), and I'm torn whether to do them now or after I have hollowed out the inner arches.

Pro: The f holes will be easier to position on a flat surface. There will also be less chance or anything tragic happening while sawing a thicker slab versus the thinner (almost) finished top plate.

Con: I anticipate the carving process to be a much more delicate procedure with two large, ornate holes in the plate. But having never done this before, maybe those fears are baseless.

Any thoughts from those who have archtop experience? Thanks!

[Dave Stewart]

I've always waited 'till the shaping & graduation was virtually done before cutting the f-holes. Using cutting tools/scrapers across/around precut holes can end in tears, IMO.

[Michael Lewis]

I am in agreement with Dave. However, if you can make it happen with a different approach the end results are what really matters. The truth is there are difficulties and potential disasters all along the way, and it's up to you to avoid the problems. The traditional methods are well regarded because they have been proven over time, which is why they are traditional, though you may find some other way to do things, I think that in time you will revert to the traditional methods as your skills grow.

[Jay Wood]

Thanks for the wisdom, guys. I will stick with the time-tested way of doing things for now.