Hello

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Craig Regan

Thanks Arnold, I was hoping to get some feed back BEFORE I start carving, possibly saving me from foolish errors.

My back plate has the oval type of graduation, so I am familiar the pattern. Also, the oval pattern seems to be common in the other string instrument family instruments.

As far as the f-holes go, should they be cut with the little knives, or are the knives for paring to the line? I was thinking of using a small coping saw and possibly drill bits for the circles.

Again, Thanks for the info.

Cut into the wood on the outside with a knife and scribe the line so you don't get tear-outs past the edge. (I pare twice so I actually have a little channel.) Then use whatever tools you want to chop out the bulk; pare to the line; clean it all up.