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I am working on my first guitar (steel string) and have completed sizing the top, sides and back and soon will be working on the rosette. However when reading about brace preparation, my guide says to split the braces to rough size (C & N bible). I have obtained my brace material from one of the forum sponsors and want to know how I should proceed with this. Is it still the best to split to size or can I use the band or table saw to get my braces to size? I have split enough fire wood over the years that I should be good at this . I figure I will get a good representation of experiential wisdom from this group.

Ken

If it has a split face you should be able to saw from that.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I woudl still split any log I have at least once down the middle because often the grain has waves. Even if one of the side faces looks perfect, it might have a big twist somewhere inside.

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I purchased brace stock from one of the forum sponsors. The first time I used it I split the stock, the second time I used my bandsaw. I did have more waste by splitting the stock. My thought on using the bandsaw the second time was if the grain looked straight and I was going to radius and carve it anyway, why not waste less by using the bandsaw. The stock I purchased wasn't in log or billet form though so that played into my thought process.

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Bobby Masten

I like to split once down the middle and then saw from the split faces. I think many authors suggest this also. You may get some waste this way, but stronger braces.

Hello there
have any of you found or used any slightly wavy grained wood that
is a match to your scalloped braces
(you might not get as much out of it... but it is easier to find a flawed billet)

would this be stronger because you would not have any runout
or would unpredictable warping be an issue ?
tomas

I think I did find a 15' grain once when splitting for back braces. It is not that common. You either get straight, or runout (bad cut or rotation growth) or slight twists and waves. I would be happy to see this sort of long slight wave for any of the radiused braces.

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