Do I need a 28' radius dish or is there another way?

[MarkAndrew1]

I'm getting ready to brace the top on my guitar. I plan
on using a 28' LMI brace radii (?) sander to radius the X braces.
Now, problem is, I don't have a 28' dish to sit the top in
when I glue the bracing on so what do I do? Suck it up and
buy another dish (I already have a 15' dish) or is there
another method I could use?

[Dave Bagwill]

A number of us use this method, and it works very well:

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/contourtool.html

If I understood your question....

[MarkAndrew1]

A number of us use this method, and it works very well:

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/contourtool.html

If I understood your question....

Okay, that...........is brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!!!

[dave d]

A number of us use this method, and it works very well:

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/contourtool.html

If I understood your question....

Okay, that...........is brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!!!

It's the only method I've used to date, and works great.

[Tim Benware]

I glue mine to a flat surface and let the radius on the x brace spring it back, same method Martin uses.

[ken cierp]

Tim is correct Martin's fixture is almost flat but so are the braces, a mere 52' radius and some (16's and below) are flat. They do not however, radius the braces to 28' and flatten them out --- that is a simply an Internet myth. Sorry Tim, I totally disagree with this practice --and in fact the myth got start because of bad information which is the incorrect convensional wisdom that Martin uses a 28' radius on any part of the guitar (rim or bracing) they never have and are very proud that they build flat top guitars.

[MarkAndrew1]

So, Ken.....Just to be clear, Martin puts a 52' radius on the
X braces? The internet is full of misinformation because I've
seen multiple places where people say it's 28'; But this is my
fact vetting forum!!!!!! hahah I'm trying to build my dread
as close to Martin specs as I can.....

Thank you!