Back to the contour lines and it is getting close

the swivel lamps really help with seeing whats going on

using a gouge to cut the channel

then switching to a smaller easier to control gouge and scraper

the channel is almost there but needs one more sweep around

after a bit of work with the scraper the edges are now looking smooth

this cello has pretty high arching and I am still deciding if I should drop it a touch

the arching is really my own thing as the guides are all wonky from distortion

smooth baby smooth!

it has taken a lot of work but the curves are quite even all around and all with a 12mm thumb plane & scraper

I have found the final archching quite pleasurable to do, though it has given me blisters from the thumb plane

with the shape and figure in the wood, it will be an attractive cello