KMG 00-12 Walnut - Daniel P's Build

[Daniel P]

Back braces are glued in, and initial shaping is done - just set the sides on to get a sense of the thing.

Trying to decide how much to shave the back braces. I know Brian Kimsey has, at times, suggested thinning the back two braces on dreadnoughts - is there value is thinning those back two on a 00-12?

[Dave Bagwill]

Nice work Mike.
Taller and thinner is better IMO.

[ken cierp]

I suggest and supply narrow tall braces (in the KMG kits) for all models including "D" The 3/8" tall x 3/4" two long braces seen on Martins (in my opinion and what I've seen) seem to have a tendancy to flatten out and loose the contour. I have even experienced having seasoned pre-carved braces of that type loose contour while on the shelf! -- thus my decision to go to the tall style. 5/8"- 3/4" x 5/16" or 1/4". I guess a space alien could hear a difference in sound quality if there is any.

[Daniel P]

With that I'll leave them tall and thin, as they are.

[John Parchem]

Looks like you are nearly ready to close. All the work looks great and very clean. I keep looking back to your first post and every time it says My first guitar build ...

[Jackspt28]

Beautiful work! The Two Cherries curved chisel was the first chisel I bought for my first build. I use it all the time, but need to read up on sharpening thinking about water stones. JAck.

[Daniel P]

Jackspt28 - having tried many types of sharpening/honing stones - coticules, US and Japanese synthetic, US naturals, and films/papers - and really refining my technique honing straight razors, I am strong proponent of lapping film.

Using a series of lapping film grits, and $1 piece of marble from the hardware store, you can put incredible edges on woodworking tools. I no longer use them for razors, as they can be too "sharp" in a technical sense, but wonderful for tools.

You can see the fine plane shavings in a few photos in this thread - sharpened with film.

PM me for any details, or if people are interested I can start a thread in one of the tool sections - I'll be honing a new blade from scratch in the coming week or so.