Now the back is down to around 10mm all around it is time to think about graduating it

I find using plane easier than a gouge, better for control

it is starting to look like a bathtub

dividing the back into equal parts for marking the graduation map

with the help of the guys on Maestronet a graduation plan was worked out

using the pin punch method to make depth guides

you can see the punch marks made by this sharpened nail

they are hard to see but here are all the punch marks

nearly 7mm thick in the center of the upper bout

leaving a ridge for the end blocks which will be trimmed down before assembly

using a couple of small gouges as well as the plane. The glove really helps keep the blisters to a minimum

my assistant jumps in for a quick bit of advice

two big bags of wood shavings from all the carving, it is a pity so much goes to waste

a small sap spot, there are a few of these on the back

here is that same sap spot and a smaller one above it

it is pretty much done now and ranges in thickness from 7.7mm in the middle to 4.0mm in the upper and lower bouts. The mode 5 tape tone is C#2.

you can see the hollow out better here, a huge amount of effort to do this

the plate needs a final scrape to smooth it all out but I will not do that until assembly time

the arching is quite high at 32.5mm

after hollowing out the plate the wings have lifted a bit

carving, purfling and graduating the back has been a really tough job and quite a strain. Well worth the experience but next time I will use some power tools for bulk wood removal.

now the back it pretty much done it is time to move onto the front plate