MIMF

Just finished making such a beast, and strung it up. What a colossal PITA. It flops all over, won't center, and creaks and groans like it's dying as it finds it's rightful place to sit. And trusting a tapered pin dry-fitted into a hole to hold it all. I have it strung, up to pitch and setting on a stand with a towel over it while it decides if it's a good'un or it's going to explode...

Brian

That's why many archtop builders make or buy a hinged tailpiece.

I use a straight pin, not a tapered, held in by string tension. (as per Benedetto).