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Hi

I have started my first build from scratch (previous was a kit) so I am creating bracing from rough sawn stock.

I had this idea that I would make a hardwood template of my X bracing and use my router table, jig and pattern bit to quickly reproduce the braces in brace material. It was a disaster the bit just ripped the stock to pieces.

What is you method of quickly producing bracing ?

John

The Brace Maker from Luthier Suppliers right here on the OLF works best and simplest for me....

http://www.luthiersuppliers.com/products1.html

....bottom right of the page...it springs the stock out on the ends and "in" in the middle...make a pass with a table saw, hand plane, sander, what have you...when you take the stock out it's a radiused brace...

Larry

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

Thanks I have seen this, the radius is not such a big problem for me I am looking for a process of pre shaping the top of the brace so most of the basic shape is accomplished before gluing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_9SlHN ... 1&index=46

I got my idea form this video. You have to wait until 1:12

John

With a sharp bit and light cuts the method shown in the Youtube video you linked should work just fine. Note the 'downhill' cuts in the video to avoid cutting against the grain. (It's the same technique you would use with a chisel- you need some finesse even with power tools.)

You could use a Robo-sander in place of the router, if you don't mind the dust.

That said, for a home builder I don't see any advantage in pre-shaping the brace ends- it makes clamping much more difficult, and shaping after gluing allows you to get rid of any 'bruises' in the brace tops from the clamping/go-bars.
Shaping braces with hand tools is one of the 'fun parts' of building for me.

Cheers
John

John: That is exactly how I do the radii on my braces ,but do not do the ends until after gluing braces to the plate. The ends are then done by chisel and sanding. Note what John said about downhill cutting with the router. The first time I tried it I didn't reverse the brace and it resulted in disaster.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I think I have decided that this is too risky, if there was a good solution I am sure it would out there somewhere. I'll radius the bottom of the braces with a jig and sharpen my chisels

John

I radius the bottom with my router table and pattern bit, but rough the top shape out on the band saw. Saves a little chisel work. I have a jig with the radius that I follow with a pattern bit and touch up on my radius dish.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866