Rounding edges when not binding

[crooksj]

What do builders use for round overs on unbound F5 mandolin edges? Hand tools only please. I expect this will be a one-off build for me. Other than multiple passes with small finger planes and sanding, all I can find is a Veritas cornering tool set. Four radii from 1/16 to 1/4”. Anyone use that or other tools? Thanks !

John

[sunburst]

Sandpaper.

[Steve Sorensen]

Do not use this --



Steve

[kjbllc]

on a violin a small file , then sand paper

[Marty Jacobson]

I would recommend keeping them as sharp as possible (visually) while not being uncomfortable. A lot of new builders do unecessary rounding, and I think it makes instruments look sloppy, especially if it's not done very, very consistently.

I did a chamfer on some early instruments. I love the look! But it is really, really difficult to get it sculpted perfectly by hand. And if you get it a little deeper on one side, you got to go back and make the other side match. Kinda like trimming your sideburns...

[Bill McCall]

You can ease the edge with a block and sandpaper or use a small (1/8”) router bit. Figuring out how to use a router there shouldn’t be more of a challenge than just routing a rabbet.