Cuting holes for soundholes

I'm wondering what the best method is for cutting out the holes for a soundhole? I'm planning on using drain covers with diameters anywhere between 1-7/8 up to 4 inchies in diameter. I bought a keyhole saw but I'm not sure how well it will work. Thanks much.

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  • I used a hand auger drill with and circle cutter bit. You can adjust it to any diameter. These are both older tools in my tool collection but you can get more contemorary circle cutter bits for a drill press. Also what is handy on building these CBG is a dremel. To get a clean cut hole and not have the inside of the box blow out back up the area you are drilling and cutting with a scrape piece of wood.

    I am doing a double sound hole each about 1-1/2 inches and instead of drain covers I found a "Tea Strainer" with two strainer bowls. Dollar store special.

    Chris
  • WOW!
    Take your time,measure and do it right.These Cigar Box Luthiers are serious about their end product!

    Terry
  • SwampCat said:
    Great ideas! I probably won't have to be too exact since the drain cover overlaps the hole a little bit. Thank you!
  • SwampCat said:
    Great ideas! I probably won't have to be too exact since the drain cover overlaps the hole a little bit. Thank you!
  • Great ideas! I probably won't have to be too exact since the drain cover overlaps the hole a little bit. Thank you!
  • James Bernard said:
    I use a compass with my drill press and just gradually tease it as it cuts through. You will be all right using this method. Practice first and get the fill.A Key Hole saw in a drill press should work just fine.Remember to ease it throuh and practice first to get the right feel.

    Terry
  • I use a compass with my drill press and just gradually tease it as it cuts through. You will be all right using this method. Practice first and get the fill.

    Terry
  • I'm sure there are a bunch of better ways, but what I did was to use a compass, cut out to about 1/8" from the home edge. Then use an x-acto knife to carve the rest of the hole.

    I'd love to see how others solved this.
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