Thin Line F-Holes

All,

Another beginner questions. What do I need to use to cut the F-Holes out on my template, and then the new top I have glued up. My router certainly won;t fint in those small openings - what are all of you using to do this ( who are building Thin Line models.

Thanks !

If the top is not attached yet, you can use a deep coping saw or a bench scroll saw. If the top is attached I would drill the holes at the ends of the F-holes & rout with a 1/8" straight bit. May have to modify the template & use the 1/4" shaft as a guide.

Good luck!

Edit - I just reread your post. You want to cut the F-holes in the template. Drill, cut with coping or scroll saw and sand to shape. You can use a 1/8" router bit with a bushing in the router base. You have to calculate the offset and make the template that much bigger. Test on scrap first :grin:

use a coping saw (also called fret saw) or if you like power tools, a scroll saw.
Cut the f-hole before gluing the top on and clean it up with some sandpaper.

Take a look at post #7 couldn't be easier..

Ron Kirn

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaster-discussion-forum/117238-coming-thread-near-you.html

Like any template, begin with 1/4 in. MDF. Drill and cut using a coping or scroll saw as suggested above. Finish using a variety of files. When you"re satisfied with the 1/4 in. template, you could make a 1/2 or 3/4 in. template or add the F-hole to your body template.

When cutting the F-hole in your body top, pre-drill the F-hole and use a 1/4 in. straight bit with your template using the shaft of the bit as a bearing. Do not apply excessive side pressure.

Like any template, begin with 1/4 in. MDF. Drill and cut using a coping or scroll saw as suggested above. Finish using a variety of files. When you"re satisfied with the 1/4 in. template, you could make a 1/2 or 3/4 in. template or add the F-hole to your body template.

When cutting the F-hole in your body top, pre-drill the F-hole and use a 1/4 in. straight bit with your template using the shaft of the bit as a bearing. Do not apply excessive side pressure.

This is exactly how I did it on my first try (and I mean "exactly" because this ain't the first time Jack has helped out a new guy) and it worked nicely.
http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/IMG_2272c.jpg
I agree with everything Jack has ever said or thought in his entire life.:lol:

Best of luck.
Rex

I used a Dremel and the Dremel brand router base to get into the "tight" areas on the template. Spending lots of time on the templates means "more fun" building the guitar...I learned that the very hard way...:oops:

Thanks guys that was exactly what I needed! The thread and pictures were a great help Ron, thank you!

I do it with 6 mm (little less than 1/4") router bit and without template ;).

http://cs10576.userapi.com/u8069256/134439277/z_36451ef3.jpg

A 3/8 pattern bit from stew mac or anyone else for that matter, fits into most of the F hole. The rest can be cut out with a hobby knife and sanded to the line. I did this to my challenge build that I'm wrapping up if you want to see pictures.

I drilled a hole at each end then cut using a fine scroll blade in my jigsaw. Cleaned up to the lines with files. Worked well for me though I have used my Dremel in StewMac base for similar tasks.