Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Dec 09, 2004 11:54pm | #1

   Several ways to make an ellipse, but I use the following:

    Find two points, x1 and x2, the distance between them will be inside your ellipse circumference. Nail at these points and with a string, tie a loop and pull the string taut to its long dimension.  The short dimension will be the length of points x1 and x2 and the string loop to that short dimension. Then with a pencil let the string guide you around until you trace the oval.

   Cut and use that as a template.

   
   

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   Edited 12/9/2004 4:20 pm ET by JACKPLANE

2. 
   JohnWW | Dec 10, 2004 12:54am | #2

   Rich,

   Use a template with a bearing guided straight bit.  Layout an elliptical hole on a piece of 1/4 inch Masonite or MDF, and cut it out with a manual coping saw.  You can thread the saw's blade through a hole drilled inside the ellipse so the template won't have a break in its inside edge. 

   You can attach the template onto a second larger board with an oversize cut out to give yourself something to clamp the template onto the guitar face and to create some clearance between the template and the wood which will make set up easier.

   John W.  

   
   

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   Edited 12/10/2004 9:40 am ET by JohnW

3. 
   notDusty | Dec 10, 2004 06:25pm | #3

                 RichT ,

       Jackplane has told a way to draw an ellipse , and John W has offered up a router bearing guided trimmer riding against a template. Also you could cut an oval the same shape only larger and use the outside of the router base as a guide in 1/4 or 1/2" material  or whatever . Many ways of doing the same thing , figure out what best suits your capabilities and tooling .Go For It .

                         good   luck                       dusty