As I've stated in other posts, I'm working on my first instrument--an F5 style mandolin. I understand that the shaping of the plates--particularly the spruce top plate--is crucial to obtaining the best possible sound. I've created multiple top and back plates out of run-of-the-mill spruce and hard maple; nothing fancy, as I know my first attempts are not going to be perfect. I have a couple of each that I am trying to finish just right and get them as close to perfect as I can.
In addition to learning the process to get the carving right, I'm interested in adopting a process that leads to repeatable results. I'm fairly certain that when I'm done with this first mandolin I will want to build a second. And so on. So I want to be able to repeat the carving process that leads to the best end product.
So I've tried multiple approaches. First was entirely by hand using the depth templates from the Siminoff book. Second was a combination of powered and hand tools. And lately I have attempted entirely powered tools (router, drill press, power carver and sander). They all technically "work" but with mixed results.
So my question to all of you experts is: What method do you use to carve your plates? What is the most common method? What is the most successful method?
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