Bracing a Backline

[turnertj]

Hey all...

I have what is probably a dumb question. I was about to brace my back, but when looking at my plans it has the centerline reinforcement-graft thingy (the reinforcement between the back braces along the center) touching right up against both the tail block and the neck block. Is that right, or do you allow some space between the reinforcement and those blocks? I don't want to make it too tight, and then have it be imperfect and give some weird vibration or rattling after the guitar is finished. Likewise, I haven't finished my rim yet, so I can't tell with any kind of precision where those blocks might lie well enough to have a tight joint. Any suggestions? Do you guys build up the rim before you brace your backs?

[Tony_in_NYC]

I always build the rim first. Either way, you can leave off or cut the back reinforcement strip long until the rim is ready and cut it to size before you glue the back on.

[turnertj]

I'm assuming that means you do cut it flush up against the blocks then. Thanks!

[darren]

I'm assuming that means you do cut it flush up against the blocks then. Thanks!

yep.

general best practice is to get the rim assembled first so as soon as your top and back plates are ready you can glue them to the rim. Lessons your chance of getting the cursed 'potato chip' top.

[turnertj]

Has anyone tried routing a slot into either the neck or tail block so the centerline reinforcement can continue right to the side? I would think that would be a tighter joint if done right.

[johnnparchem]

Has anyone tried routing a slot into either the neck or tail block so the centerline reinforcement can continue right to the side? I would think that would be a tighter joint if done right.

The neck and tail block make a lot stronger cross grained patch the the back strip. I put it on long and trim it back to size so that it fits flush to the neck and tail block.

[turnertj]

Roger. Makes sense. I'll defer to the experts here and go that route. Thanks guys.