Official Luthiers Forum!

Do any of you close off the sound hole during construction? It occurred to me that, after vacuuming all the dust out before gluing on the back, I'd get it all dusty inside again once I stared sanding the box.

I was thinking maybe a disc of blue tape stuck from the underside, if I can figure out how to get it to stick without being able to press against it from the inside. And I suppose the same thing would be needed during finishing to keep from getting finish on the label, etc.

Any thoughts?

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Phil

http://www.oleninstruments.com

"Those who tilt at windmills are only considered insane by those who can't see the dragon."

I only close it for finishing, using a plastic lid and a block of mattress foam to keep it in place...

Some guys use a balloon to hold the disc in place but I've found that it tends to deflate after a few days.

I do the ballon and a lid, but in all honesty the sponge is a better idea sense it won't deflate.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Well I suppose this will blow your minds, but since the first step on the top is cutting for the rosette and the sound hole, I leave a "wafer" of wood at the bottom of the hole cut, and do not remove the circle until I'm ready to sand the hole edges smooth. That is after all binding and sanding steps, even to seal / wash coats of finish.

I do all my sanding by hand with blocks, and find it easier to work the top without the hole "in the way", and it keeps all rough and fine swarf out until finishing, which is hand french polishing, so I don't cover the hole during finishing anyway.

I don't think I've seen anyone else do it this way, but it works well for me.

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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008907949110

I rolled up a piece of 1" thick foam until the roll diameter was somewhat larger that the sound hole. Taped the roll with masking tape to keep from it unwinding. The length of the roll is about the depth of the body, or a bit more. The roll is easy to insert into the hole & positioned with the rolled edge visible. After inserting the roll, I cover it with a 6"x6" half-inch thick piece of foam, all stuffed inside the hole. The compression fit seals around braces automatically. The 2nd piece of foam also makes for easy vacuuming of any dust or other detritus that accumulates as the build progresses. Also easy to remove & reinsert. Can also use during the finish process.