Here's something that might help those that cut the slots for the back braces after gluing the center reinforcing strip. I always had a little trouble getting the cuts square and at a perfect right angle to the strip. This has greatly simplified and speeded up the process.
The little tool is made from stuff called C-Thru Graph charts. (http://www.misterart.com/g1070/C-Thru-Graph-Charts.htm) This material has a million uses in lutherie. Aligning things like braces, headstock veneers, making templates etc. It's a hard plastic and can be scored with an X-Acto knife and will break right on the line which makes it great for templates. You can get it in different grid sizes.
This is just two pieces aligned at right angles and glued on one edge. You can align it and draw lines and also use as a cutting template as it is flexible to follow the dome of the center strip.
It also works well for aligning the brace after you cut your slot.
Terry
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