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Hi,
It seems that having the braces go through the body is a standard procedure.
What I don't know is why? Is it a tone thing or structural? Is it necessary?
Thanks for any explanation.
Rbab8367

I personally won't do it that way for 2 reasons.
1 If you have a brace end too thick you'll have a hard time hiding it with the binding if you make a mistake.
2 You can create a stress riser that may add to a side crack.

CF Martin and most production companies don't do this. You only need to notch the kerfed lining. I prefer to keep the sides intact .

I know many do it by cutting through the sides but beware of what can go wrong. You want to make those notches and joint as close perfect as you can.

Thanks for the reply but I have to ask. Why not end the braces at the kerfing and not cut them at all?

You can do that but be sure to fade the ends so you don't have a step . Notching the braces to the kerfed lining helps to keep the top and back aligned when you glue things up.

Thanks again, that alone is a good reason. I know how things move around when glueing, yes from a bad experience.