Profiling the edge

Before you proceed with the shaping of the edges, check again that the archings and the flutings on both plates are perfect.

The overhang for the violin we are building here is approximately 2.5 mm so correct it if its too much. The chamfer in "a", see Fig. 1, should have been done before the gluing of the plates to the ribs.

1. Using your file, start with the sequence of chamfers in "b".

   On the back plate, skip the button as it will be adjusted later when the neck has been glued on.

   Leave the tips of the corners untouched for the time being.
   

2. Use abrasive paper to connect the chamfers into a round edge as in "c". Towards the tips of the corners the overhang gets less round, more edgy.
   
3. Round off the corners a bit, as in "d".
   
   

The corners

The final shape of the corners is created now. It should "go" with the shape and direction of the bee sting. The overhang at the tips can be a little less, say 2 mm.

The ridge you have created on the outline, continues all the way to the corners, see Fig. 2. The fluting naturaly rises to the ridge, from a valley with the bee sting at the bottom.

The points of the corners are usually not as round as the rest of the overhang so do not use a lot of sandpaper there. Also, the outer tip on each corner is often a little smoother, to emphasize the visual flow. If needed, make the corners a little sculpted and edgy, using just your scraper or fine file.

Finishing

On almost all surfaces the last tool that touches them should be the scraper. It gives the wood a unique texture, expecially in spruce (corduroy). The scraper also allows for greater control over the subtle features of the corners and the scroll. When removing little scratches and depressions caused by tools, try applying a little amount of water to them and let dry. Water causes the wood fibres to swell, filling the nicks.

1. Go over the arching again and make sure there are no irregularities.
   
2. Go over the fluting and make sure the area where the fluting connects to the rounded edge is well defined and sharp. You can soften the sharp ridge later on if you like, but now it should be sharp and flow perfectly.
   
3. Go over the ribs removing any residues of hide glue and generally cleaning up the surface.
   
4. Go over the f-holes and correct any irregularities using your extra sharp knife.