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I have a great old Millers Falls brace I cleaned up about 4 years ago and its been my daily user ever since. Its a standard 6" sweep but I dont have any issues with this smaller size. A sharp, straight bit really helps as well and Im using a vintage Irwin auger bit I purchased for a couple of dollars at a local antique dealer. It only has one spur and is a perfect size...9/16" so Im left with a small amount of waste to clean off the inside cheeks of each 5/8" mortise after drilling. This is a good thing-Id never want to use a bit the exact size of my finished mortise due to the slight tear out and human error involved in the process. Even after I clearly define a center mark to register my bit some holes seem to drift ever so slightly. I figure this is mainly due to fatigue and mind meandering while performing the task. A reader mentioned using a brace with a 10" sweep...I would love to find one sometime; I can only assume it would make this process a little less demanding on the arm muscles but again, my old Millers Falls seems to be up for the challenge.
When starting out the hole Ill check for plumb with a small engineers square placed along side the bit. Ill slowly get into the wood fiber and check again on the opposite axis. Begin working down and stop frequently to remove the waste. I just blow this off and never have to back out the bit. I should also mention my elaborate system of depth gauge...the ball of blue tape around the bit is it...nothing could be simpler. I should probably drill out a long piece of wood and cut it to length again placing it on the bit while I drill...this would indeed result in more accurate depths but these mortises dont have to be exact. Close to about 1/32" but not exact. Its only end grain meeting down there so as long as theyre deep enough I dont worry too much.
The following is a quick clip of my process...one thing to notice is which hand Im using where. Im right handed so this goes at the top of the brace; I think the natural tendency would be to use your stronger arm for the turning motion but this is inaccurate. Use your leading hand to hold the brace secure and square and your other hand to turn. A bit of practice and youll be reaching for the ol brace all of the time.
"Unplugg the drill and wrap your hand around the words of working man..."


The following is a quick clip of my process...one thing to notice is which hand Im using where. Im right handed so this goes at the top of the brace; I think the natural tendency would be to use your stronger arm for the turning motion but this is inaccurate. Use your leading hand to hold the brace secure and square and your other hand to turn. A bit of practice and youll be reaching for the ol brace all of the time.
"Unplugg the drill and wrap your hand around the words of working man..."
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