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What do YOU use to make soundholes?

Hey guys (and gals!)...

I've got a question which I know you can shed some light on.

What do you use to make soundholes? I've read some of the previous posts about different drill bits, etc, but my question isn't for circles... more like asymmetrical designs, "f-holes" and the like.

Currently working on my 5th CBG, and up until now I've been drilling a "starter hole" in the box top and using a variety of wood files to enlarge and shape the holes to my desired shape.

I've tried using a dremel with various bits, but it's either too slow or too fast (and rips the paper to shreds). I've used a coping saw on my 2nd and 4th (which you can see in my pics), but that is only for real rough cutting, and the fine tuning is done by hand with files.

In my current build, I'm trying to carve out letters, and the files just aren't cutting it anymore (pun intended). Plus I'm starting to get some strange callouses on my hands from holding the files!

So I thought I'd get some feedback from ya'll, find out what you use and like.

I appreciate the help.

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on August 14, 2009 at 11:55pm

The master has spoken.... and well. Hey Ted... how you doin?

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Permalink Reply by Nathan King on August 15, 2009 at 7:56am

Thanks Ted,

Have you ever tried using a RotoZip? I plugged one in today... overall pretty happy with it. It takes a lot of wood out very quickly, so you gotta have a steady hand. But now all that's left is a little fine tuning, smoothing, sanding, etc... You don't even need to drill the starter hole!

This thing just sinks into the wood, you guide it along the lines you want to cut and BOOM. What would have taken me a few days took about ten seconds. This gives me plenty of ideas for more intricate sound holes now... be on the lookout for pics in the near future!

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Permalink Reply by gerald vincent on August 15, 2009 at 10:35am

THEY MAKE TEMPLATES OUT THERE.. USE A ROUTER OR DREMMEL ONCE TEMPLATE SECURED FIRMLY.. BUT,, NOT ALL NEED A SOUNDHOLE. IF ITS ELECTRIC AS MOST ARE YOU DO NOT NEED ONE.. I HAVE ONE JUST BOUGHT FROM MADDOG FROM CIGARBOX NATION.. PICS ARE THERE.. SOLID MAHOGANY BOX TOO NICE TO DRILL IN.. I ASKED HIM TO MAKE NO HOLES... BEAUTIFUL GUITAR.. TRY THEM FIRST WITHOUT HOLES.. IF AFTER DONE YOU CAN ALWAYS REMOVE STRINGS AND PUT IN HOLES... GERALD VINCENT