Cedar Over Maple Cutting the Outline of the Top and Back Plates

[@red58impala]

I never considered the top splitting during the trimming process. Would a thinner blade with less coarse teeth, like used with a jeweler's/Knew Concepts fret saw, help minimize that risk?

[@HandToolWoodGuy]

It would. The blade I used was the finest toothed blade I could get locally, which is Big Box stuff. I don't usually have the budget for the "good stuff", lol. Most makers use a band saw that only cuts one direction; down. The coping saw is moving up and down and puts a lot more flex in the top. It is what it is; you deal, and do your best. It's a poor craftsman that blames his tools. I have been blessed with way more than I ever dreamed of. And this build rolls on. Thanks for watching and commenting on my videos.