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I finally found some spruce that would split in a straight line (I might mention that I got it from AC Woods - really nice stuff) after making a mess out of two other sets of brace woods.  Now, I thought I would try some HM for the back braces.  The rev. kerf lining for the back will be HM too, so I thought it would look right.  I am really having difficulty reading the grain in the mahogany.  Is that a normal problem or is it just me?  Depending on how I look at it, it looks like grain runs in two opposing directions, and it does not seem to split along the lines very well.  Would I be better to just find the best line I can and rip them out on the saw?

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Waddy

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Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks Todd.  That's what I was thinking would be a way to do it, but didn't want to take the short-cut if splitting was a better way to get good braces.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

the apparent opposing grain is most probably grain lines and saw lines, which can be confusing in wood which has consistent colour and fine grain. ebony is just about the worst. taking a block plane or scraper to the end grain will remove the saw lines and the grain is then clearly visible.