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Gregg C
 Post subject: Top X-Brace dimensions
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 12:07 pm 
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Hi guys,
For a steel 6 string Dred what is the recomended X-Brace width ??
My plans show .380, is that too wide ??

Gregg

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woody b
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 12:31 pm 
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I've never used braces wider than 5/16" (.312"). Is .380" printed on the plan, or is that the measurement of what's printed?

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Gregg C
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 12:34 pm 
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.38 (.380) is printed on the plan, there Scott plans.

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SteveSmith
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 1:11 pm 
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Are they plans by Scott Antes? If so, many knowledgeable folks have said his plans are overbraced. I've only built from one of his, an OM. After much advice from some experienced folks I reduced the size of the braces to 5/16" for the X-brace and 1/4" for the others. Of course I left the UTB and popsicle braces pretty much according to plan. The guitar turned out very nice and I have no doubt it would have been way overbraced if I had followed the plans. Some of the more experienced builders here can give you some good advice on what sizes to use.

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Mark Groza
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 2:21 pm 
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I use 5/16" to 3/8" for most my dread x-braces depending on the top that is used.
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Tom West
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 2:38 pm 
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Most folks use between 1/4" and 5/16". I use about .280 or about .100 less than your plan calls.Narrow width is somewhat limited by gluing area and wide size by weight increase and impact on weight to stiffness factor. More important is the height of the braces and this becomes harder to define mainly due to the characteristics of the top to which they are glued.
Tom

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JJ Donohue
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 4:15 pm 
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I've only ever used .312" on a 12 String Dred. All others have been .250"...but I vary the height depending on the stiffness of the top.

The Antes plans are notorious for being way over-braced. Not really sure why...perhaps he could chime in someday.

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Brock Poling
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 4:37 pm 
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I use .25" wide and 1/2" high (including the cap) at the x brace.

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Gregg C
PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 5:49 pm 
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Thanks Guys !!

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