Keeping the tools sharp is essential.

 

 

Here I am carving a master template from basswood for the arch top contours of a Les Paul.

 

 

Gradually carving....

 

 

carving....

 

 

I'm using small and medium luthier's finger planes

 

 

This took a really long time!

 

 

The rough carving is done, just a bit of smoothing and it'll be ready for the duplicating carver.

 

 

Here are the actual body blanks ready to have the top contours machine carved.

 

 

The tracer follows the contours of the master while the router carves the blank.

 

 

The duplicating carver in action...always wear ear and eye protection!

 

 

A few more passes and it's on to sandpaper.

 

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