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Pickup mounting hole and sound holes?

I am looking to build my first cigar box guitar over the summer however I have very little in the way of power tools etc.

I would like to build an electric version with a single coil pickup and two sound holes. Is there a short cut method for creating the holes (both the sound holes and for the placement of the pickup), without using a routing tool. I would like it to be reasonably neat but I appreciate a short cut method would not produce the same results as a dedicated tool. If this is too difficult without dedicated tools then would someone be able to recommend a cheap tool for the job that is suitable for beginners.

Sorry about my ignorance but this is going to be my first build!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on April 10, 2014 at 10:21pm

Assuming these are inches and not cm, I'd cut em in half, cover each half with spruce or birch veneer. Two gits in one!

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Permalink Reply by Richey Kay on April 10, 2014 at 10:50pm

I'm pretty sure they're cm Oily!

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Permalink Reply by The Capo Kid on April 10, 2014 at 11:03pm

Yes there cm so to you who still use imperial 10 7/8 in x 7 in x 3 in .

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on April 10, 2014 at 11:43pm

Then that's a perfect size. Gofer it!

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Permalink Reply by Tom Gould on April 11, 2014 at 1:25am

Yeah sorry, I should have specified. Its in cm

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 11, 2014 at 1:52am

Don't be sorry. all the chatter is tongue in cheek, errr, I hope. Anyway, it is an indication of how far the Empire has fallen when the only hold out for "English" measuring units is the (ahem) good ole U.S.A.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on April 12, 2014 at 3:57pm

No worries. I just didn't wanna run around aimlessly at Michael's or Hobby Lobby when I'm home this summer, looking for a 27.5" x 17.7" x 7.5" box, and have them look at me funny when I ask. They already think I'm nuts. ;-)

Disclaimer: Michael's and Hobby Lobby are craft supply chain stores in the States.

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on April 14, 2014 at 12:03pm

They don't think you're nuts.... They know...

I get the same looks...

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Permalink Reply by Wade on April 12, 2014 at 1:07pm

A little patience and a sharp pocket knife go a long way in the world of CBGs. Enjoy your first build- it probably won't be your last!

Wade

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 13, 2014 at 5:11am

I used to feel the same way about cutting tools until a slip on a "F-hole" with a knife and a trip to the ER with a cut artery in my thumb, convinced me that drilling, sawing and sanding are more better options.... ;-)...heheheheheehehe.