Bigger is Better, or Easier

I'm working on a neck for my viola. I started one out of cherry, to match the back, and when I was using the chisel to punch out the pegbox, it split along the side. Better now than later I guess! So I started another out of big leaf maple. I was nervous about the flame, because it was deeper than most I've used, but it cuts really nice. One problem I had was my pattern didn't have the peg holes marked on it. When I marked the holes to drill them out (I drill them half way, from both sides) the paper must have moved, so I'll have to bush at least the A peg, and maybe the D as well on the bass side.

I gave up sawing with a coping saw around the form. It's a lot of work. Instead I took my thin, sharp Ryoba, and took straight cuts, close to the line, and whacked the stock off with a chisel. Piece of cake. Smooth it up with a rasp, and finish off with a loose plane blade, (my preferred scraper) and looks perfect.

I saw the heel to the angle that I figured out, and the length that I need. I don't like trying to trim off end grain; it's too hard a proposition. Then I saw the angle of the fingerboard from there to the first turn. The grain almost got me on the bass side, even the saw wanted to dig in, but my saw cut was wide enough. The pegbox on the inside doesn't look too gnarly on the treble side, but the bass side is running the wrong way, and it is rustic.

Here are my scroll tools, seen from the other side, and my unfinished viola neck with the botched holes.

I found a new technique for the scroll: watch your line. I know that's not a new technique, but it is amazing how well it works when you follow it. I also put the undercut in as I went around, instead of adding it later. It is much, much easier that way.

Another great idea is (especially if you are over 50) to wear the magnifying visor. Mine has an outer lens that is about 1.5X and then and inner one you can flip in (mine's almost always in place) that is probably makes it a 4X lens. It also has an extra loupe I don't use much, and lights on each side that I never use (it was bought before led's). I can't even begin to tell you how much better my work is when I can actually see it. Dah.