Cutting the sound hole

[hummingbird]

I have a dilemma. I'm about to begin cutting a sound hole and rosette in a new joined top. First I must drill a small hole in the center which my router can pivot around. My dilemma is that I must drill directly through the glue line. However the glue line is much harder than the surrounding wood therefore I foresee the drill bit wandering off to one side and ending up off center. Is there a special way to avoid this?

[tippie53]

if you have a sharp bit , it will be fine , you may be over thinking this.. Using a drill press you should be save

[hummingbird]

Over thinking is my middle name.

You see I tried using a center punch and it deflected to one side.

Would a forstner bit be best?

[johnnparchem]

I use a brad point drill bit. I also use a sharp scratch awl to put a small mark right where I want to drill that I can put the brad point into when I start. I like the brad point better than the forstner only because I find it easier to see where I am puttting the point.

[hummingbird]

Thanks guys.

[turnertj]

Since I can't get my jointed soundboard in my benchtop drill press, I've taken a 2"x2" popular section of board and drilled the hole (3/16" for the StewMac rosette cutter). Then I put that block on my soundboard and use it as a guide to drill the hole in the soundboard...which keeps it nice and straight. I also do the same for the hole I make in the board that I'm anchoring the pin in below the soundboard.

Tj

[Ken Hundley]

I think that's a great solution. Even so, no one would ever know the sound hole was off 1/64 of an inch from center. I bet you'll be lucky to keep it that close to center on the neck and tail block one you fit the top to the rim.