(roughly) how big is a bit brace?

Woodshop
#1

I want to make a miniature replica of a bit brace similar to this one.

It has been a long time since I have touched one and I’m trying to get some approximate dimensions.

If I assume the rotating hand grip (in the middle) is 4" long including the metal ferrules (or about 3.5" long without the ferrules), then the entire brace scales out to about 17.5" - 18", not including the bit. Is that about right? Obviously if the center hand grip is a different size the bit brace could be substantially different. For instance, a 3" hand grip would yield a 13" - 14" brace.

Chris

#2

They came in different ‘swings’; 10", 12", etc…

The one your showing looks like a ‘standard’ 10". That means te shaftts perpendicular to the axis of rotation are about 5" long. Should be possible to scale the parts in the picture from that.

#3

Lol. I have one in my garage.

#4

Thanks mucho! If I start with my 4" hand grip assumption, then the shafts seem to scale out at nearly 5" (and the photo is slightly on angle instead of orthogonal) so it seems that my assumption is approximately correct.

Appreciate it!

Chris

#5

Thanks for the help! Here’s the result.

Chris

IMG_4061b_CRM.jpg1200×900 222 KB

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