Today violin maker Derek Roberts starts work on the F holes or sound holes. They will be marked out on the front plate of the violin which was thicknessed in the previous stage.

A template of thin plywood is used to give the shape of the F hole. This template belongs to the particular Stradivarius model which Derek is making.

The template is placed on the front plate and drawn round with a pencil. Accurate positioning of the F holes is important as this will determine the position of the bridge and the length of the vibrating strings.

Next Derek uses a gouge to flute the edge of the F holes. The purpose of the fluting is purely aesthetic.

The fluting is finished with a steel scraper.

Below, the centres of the top and bottom holes of each F hole are marked with a scriber, and then drilled out with a hand drill.

In the next stage Derek cuts the F holes out.

Choose a day... Introduction 1 - Plates 2 - Blocks 3 - Ribs 4 - Complete the ribs 5 - Linings 6 - Back 7 - Front 8 - Neck block 9 - Carve the scroll 10 - Finish the scroll 11 - Finish the outline 12 - Purfling 13 - Final arching 14 - Hollowing 15 - Thicknessing 16 - Mark the F holes 17 - Cut the F holes 18 - Glue the back 19 - Bass bar 20 - Close the box 21 - Fingerboard 22 - Neck joint 23 - Finish the neck 24 - Finish the edge Glossary

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