In this sequence, Larry is attaching the lutz top to the kerfed rim. Larry prefers to do the final tuning with the rims attached since this is closer to the conditions under which the top will be vibrating on the finished guitar.
The brace ends below the X are faded to nothing (i.e. not tucked), those above the X are tucked. Thus the braces undergo an "intermediate carving" at this stage where they are brought closer to final size and ends faded to properly meet the rim, but still left with extra meat for the final tuning.
Here are the braces as they were glued up, prior to any carving. Note the brace ends.
Here the bass-side ends have been reduced. The bass-side upper X still has a bit of meat to be tucked into the rim. The lower bass-side ends are all taken down to nothing.
Now the treble-side ends are also taken down. There has also been some reduction and shaping on the interior of the braces, but they are still on the large side. How much more will be taken off will depend on how the top taps once the rims are on.
The top is glued and clamped. The buck stopped here, apparently.
Now the inner mold is removed.
The top is ready for the final tuning. Once this is done, the back will be attached.
