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What is the best way to cut out a sound port? ...a router? ...some kind of saw? I figured I could place a template of the shape that I want to use, draw out the shape on the side, and cut it out some way... I'm just not sure how I should do it...
Steve

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

My ports are generally round, and I use a Forstner bit, with a backing block on the inside. When I made a bigger oval one on a test mule I used a burr in the Dremel tool. It's easy to slip and mark up the side, so be careful. All's fair in love and lutherie.

Alan,
I was thinking an oval would be nice. I've seen several pictures of these posted. I have found that sometimes power tools can get away from you and it can be better to use manual tools. I could see how a fostner bit would work for a round sound hole. There must be different approaches that people take...

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

I think router.

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Dave
Milton, ON

I rough mine out with a carbide inlay cutter using my Stewmac dremel router base, (works like a Rotozip saw) and final shape with files and sand paper. My 1st was round and done like Al's but to me it looked like the entrance to a bird house so I went to a oval shape on the next 2.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

Draw the design, use a forstner bit to cut a few good size holes, Dremel on Stewmac base with fishtail bit to get close, then switch to a sanding drum on the Dremel to fine tune it. and get smooth.

Depends what shape you're doing. this saw will cut any shape however. Sanding sticks and files to finish. It doesn't work however unless you cut the hole before the top is glued on. I use it for archtop F holes as well. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx ... at=1,42884

I've done it several ways, but I think the safest way for a beginner would be to drill a few holes in the design, then use a small sander in your dremel to sneak up on the line. Once you get close enough, a small mill file, and any other file can be used to get to the final shape. Then use sandpaper to clean up. It may take longer, but much less stressful. This is done after the rims are bent and the linings and blocks are glued in. Good luck!

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

I've only done one but it was a complex shape. I used a laminate trimmer with a 1/8" bit but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're pretty comfortable with the tool. It would be easy to make a big mess.

First I made a paper pattern and glued it on.


Made the raw cut with the laminate trimmer.


Clean up and beveled with sandpaper on a stick.


Ebony and maple laminated backing.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I just use a round soundport, and have found that the easiest solution to me has been a hole saw.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

I use a Dremel and a carbide "fishtail" bit, with a clear, smaller base that I made for this operation. Follow w/sanding drum on the Dremel, sanding sticks/handsanding to finish off. I leave my doublestick taped pattern on the guitar through the finishing.

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https://soundcloud.com/jeffreylsuits/he ... -runnin-13