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How To Make Decorative Sound Hole?

I'm starting my third CGB and I want to do something different than the normal circle sound hole. I've made some designs.

My question: How do most of you cut these in the cigar boxes? What tools do you use, do you make a template from metal or plexie, do you lay the paper over the top of box, etc? Any pointers are welcome and well needed.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on May 24, 2012 at 2:30am

I would make a template from plexiglass if you are so inclined. Or you could just cut out the template and glue it to the lid. If you have power tools, you can use a scroll saw. If you don't have power tools, a coping saw works just fine. In either case, just drill a pilot hole or two to get you started.

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Permalink Reply by Josh Thompson on May 24, 2012 at 2:35am

Awesome, thanks....to the store for a coping saw.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on May 24, 2012 at 2:38am

If it is a flat, paper covered lid, you might want to carefully cut it from the box so you can lay it flat on the workbench, then carefully clamp it to your bench to hold it still when you cut. Use a scrap piece of wood between the clamp and the lid so you don't make any unwanted dents in the wood with the clamp.

Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on May 24, 2012 at 2:37am

look for a second hand scroll saw, dont go over $50...

once youre doing fret slots with it you'll be thanking me for life..

a template is only necessary if you wanna be able to repeat a shape, i just drill out the ends and pencil em on, i like each to be unique

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Permalink Reply by Michael Fred Johnson on May 24, 2012 at 4:50am

I use a fretsaw rather than a coping saw the fretsaw has a much deeper frame and finer blade/teeth

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on May 24, 2012 at 6:52am

I like to use the thin cardboard from a cereal box or the like to make a template. Then you can flip it over to make a morror image too, plus it is free and can be cut with scissors. Recycle!

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on May 24, 2012 at 8:26am

I use a jig saw with a fine cut blade and get good results.

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Permalink Reply by Lonman on May 24, 2012 at 12:09pm

I was pleased with my first attempt at f-holes- template was just paper, taped it to the box, traced the image, ends were drilled with forstner bit, lines with homemade mini hacksaw, some dremel action with small burr, small files and some sandpaper to smooth out.

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Permalink Reply by Rand on May 24, 2012 at 3:29pm

I just freehand a drawing onto painter's tape that I apply on the box. i drill the holes, cut out the drawing with a jigsaw, and then I sand down the rough edges. I don't recommend freehanding if you don't know how. Just use a template unless you are confident.