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I use to install my center grafts on the back prior to installing the braces, but I never was able to get the braces installed without even a slight gap between the brace and the graft. So I changed my method. I know Lance does (or did, maybe still does) it this way and that's where I got the idea.

I now install my center graft after the braces are installed.

Here's how I do it to ensure a nice snug fit.

I first measure the distance from the outside edge of the body to the inside edge of the head and tail blocks. I than mark that distance on the inside of the plate.

Tail



Head



I than use tape to find my precise length of the graft, between each brace. I use the 3M strapping tape as it doesn't stretch at all. So I put tape in between each brace and use a razor blade to cut it to the exact distance between the braces. I than mark each piece of tape so I know which piece goes where.



I than pull the tape off and put it on the center graft. I align one edge of the tape to the edge of the graft (not shown in the picture though as I thought of this after I took the pic) and than I cut right at the end of the tape. This give me a perfect fitting center graft, and actually when gluing them up in the go bar deck, the radius of the back helps push the ends of the graft against the brace.



I make my center grafts 5/8" wide (just because) and here's how I layout each graft location so I get them lined up.

I have a block that is squared up and I put wax on the base and along two edges. I measure from the center of the plate (easy to see with a book match like that Tassie Blackwood) 5/16" (half my center graft width) and I locate my aligning block. I put a go bar on it to hold it in place.



Than I just but up the center graft to the block and the brace and I'm good to do. I have little clamping cauls specific for gluing the graft down.



And a close up of the nice tight fit.



Hope this helps someone.

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I really like your idea with the tape. I glued the graft in pieces on my latest, but the fits aren't precise. Thanks, Rod.

Rod, I find it easier to install the back graft in one piece and notch the braces.

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That's good for you Ricardo. But your point is? This is not about discussing which way one likes best, its a tutorial on how one method is done.

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Nice Rod.

Notch the braces?

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Thank you very much for sharing, I look forward to learning here at OLF