The Scoop.

Here's my fancy setup. It worked pretty well. I think I'll add this to my list of improvements I need to make before my next build. I think I can make it a lot more accurate and micro adjustable like the Luthiers friend at Stew Mac. Probably get some more hose for my DC to reach the drill press instead of using the vacuum cleaner. Although, it worked really well. I didn't see any dust in the air at all. I was very surprised.

From Mandolin building

From Mandolin building

I didn't get a picture of the finished cut but here's one from my first mandolin that shows the desired outcome.

From FloridaScoop

The whole purpose is to stop pick noise when playing over this portion of the fret board. You'd really have to be picking hard get your pick to hit a scooped fretboard.