Acoustic Guitar Construction

I won't bore you with all the picks but will post some progress pics as it moves along. It is Sinker Redwood top and EIR B/S. Rosewood and Abalone Rosette. I added a sound port (Fleur De Lis) to this one.

Nice, Tim - were you working from a decal or template of some sort for the port? What kind of bit did you use for the cutting?
Thanks.

Tim I really like how the sound port looks, but are those thin fingers fragile? Did you back them up with anything to resist breakage?

Dave Bagwill wrote:Nice, Tim - were you working from a decal or template of some sort for the port? What kind of bit did you use for the cutting?
Thanks.

Template I printed off the internet. I found a pic I like and sized the way I wanted, then applied a thinned down titebond mix to keep it in place as I routed. I used bits I got from here: https://www.drillbitcity.com/
Ken posted the site a while back and I have been buying from them since.

Jay McClellan wrote:Tim I really like how the sound port looks, but are those thin fingers fragile? Did you back them up with anything to resist breakage?

It has a laminate patch I made up glued to the inside. Those fingers are really pretty stout. Here is it is getting glued in:

Tim - thanks. As to the bits - I'm thinking ahead to my next f-hole guitar - what configuration? Up/down spiral, straight?

Dave Bagwill wrote:Tim - thanks. As to the bits - I'm thinking ahead to my next f-hole guitar - what configuration? Up/down spiral, straight?

I started out with one of the kits and quickly realized the one I used (and broke) most often are the carbide Router Bits - 1/32"(.0312), 1/16"(.0625) and 1/8"(.1250). Now those are the only ones I use, I email them and they custom package them for me. I think I need to order at least 5 at a time. I have about 15 so it has been a while sine i placed an order (at least over a year).