What is the best way to add the braces?

[howdy_strangr]

for instance panels 1 and 5 on a tuba - do you set panels 1 and 5 then slide them from the front until snug or do you instal panel 1 add the braces to it an dthen add panel 5

[Brew]

The first brace is between 5 & 6. After 5 is installed, sight measure brace as described in plans. Cut brace. Measure and mark placement of braces on both panels. Install panel 6. Apply glue to both edges of brace and slide brace in on marks till snug. Secure with screws or brads thru panel 6. This being done after you are sure all planels are SQUARE to the side panel.
Hope I understood your question correctly.

[AntonZ]

for instance panels 1 and 5 on a tuba - do you set panels 1 and 5 then slide them from the front until snug

More or less like that, but not until snug, rather until construction is square. At that point fix it using either nails, screws or clamps.

Here's how I do it, 2nd pic in this post. Prepare a brace as described in the plans. Add panel to box, glue&screw. Put a generous amount of glue on both sides of the brace, then slide it in gradually until new panel is square to rest of box. Fix it in that position with a clamp, a small wedge and scrap wood. Let glue cure until moving on to next panel.

This is a slow method, but I only have small timeslots available for building and for me it is a comfortable way to get a square box.

[gdougherty]

for instance panels 1 and 5 on a tuba - do you set panels 1 and 5 then slide them from the front until snug

More or less like that, but not until snug, rather until construction is square. At that point fix it using either nails, screws or clamps.

Here's how I do it, 2nd pic in this post. Prepare a brace as described in the plans. Add panel to box, glue&screw. Put a generous amount of glue on both sides of the brace, then slide it in gradually until new panel is square to rest of box. Fix it in that position with a clamp, a small wedge and scrap wood. Let glue cure until moving on to next panel.

This is a slow method, but I only have small timeslots available for building and for me it is a comfortable way to get a square box.

You could also glue, slide, clamp, nail/screw, move on.

[AntonZ]

Yes, I know it can be done a lot faster. So far I have never build more than one of any particular model, so I'm always doing a "my first". I have learned not to rush forward. One panel per day suits me fine as long as I'm not building fleets of cabs.