I figured after all your support that I would post a followup. I picked up Mayes' DVD set in the swap meet and decided that it was time that I pull them out for a viewing. John, thank you for the great DVDs! I learned some things that I had not thought of, for one, that is isn't exactly a right way to brace. I was concerned because one of my XBraces was a little off, but I think it will be fine. I started off tapping and I got a thud. My braces probably too thick, 6/16ths at the base of the joint and are 3/4 of an inch tall. This is as a result of building them too small last time and having to take them off. I will probably put a taper on the Xbraces starting about 2/3 of the way from the end of the Xbrace to the joint and then see if I can remove a little off the sides as well. I probably should have gone for scalloped bracing, but here I am. I do think that I will put in the bridge plate first next time and see if that makes it easier. Dad has most of my powertools so I can't do that one until I get my bandsaw or at least scroll saw back.
Here is the other thing on my work bench.
