Hello all.
I've recently started work on my first ever "laminate archtop" build. It's very exciting! I look forward to the prospect of having this very functional jazz box if I ever finish it!
I've managed to tweak the body shape just right (traced on the plate), and last week I began cutting the f-holes. Here's where my worry is.... I've never cut out f-holes on a laminate archtop before. I was naive enough to think it would be exactly the same thing as cutting them out of a piece of Spruce! I should also say, that I have about 3 different coping saws. Nothing spectacular, just standard stuff.
So! While I was sweating over this ply plate, I was thinking of how awkward the saw was taking it. I stepped back, tried to go a bit slower, etc... By the time I got to the second hole, I wound up chipping (!) a very tiny piece from the top. Extremely tiny but enough to make it less than "nice clean work".
![[headinwall]](./images/smilies/headbangwalluf8.gif "Mad")
I thought I would ask all the experts here; how are the blades graded with coping saws and which one would be good for this kind of job where it's very difficult to get a "flow" going? Also, do I have any hope with that small chip I made, or do I have to either live with it or design around it? I'd appreciate any input on this one.
Best Regards,
John L.
