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I've been to Martin a couple of times and the last time I took a bunch of photos. I did not look at the photos for a couple years, but when I did I came across a photo of a woman carving braces that inspired me to make this jig. I had completely forgotten that I had seen it. It makes brace carving much easier. Using it, you don't have to hold the work to keep it from sliding. Many of you may already be using something similar, but I thought I'd share this because I really like it. The photos tell the story. Basically it is just a peg board that allows you to move the pegs at will. It will hold any shape in any position. The underside has a cleat that goes up against the edge of the bench to keep the peg board from sliding. I made mine with 3/4"plywood and 3/4" dowel pegs. Can't remember if I used a spade bit or a Forstner bit to drill the holes, but they both would work.

nice tool. Wish I thought of it.
George

Does the board have a radius in it? Seems as though it should.

I like it. I think I'd add a foam rubber pad to accommodate back radiuses.

The radius does not matter. You are only carving on 1 brace at a time, pushing against the posts and turning the workpiece as needed. Radius is not a problem, and no padding needed.

a foam pad may sound good but it is counter productive.
I did the same thing as Bob but now I use the rep fence on my table saw.
thanks BOB

When I was up in Nazareth in December, the carving station was uncharacteristically empty giving a good look at the board. They were on a reduced work schedule.

To Diane's comment, another pic from Nazareth showing use of backing material over the jig that is like Bob's in his original post.

I think you would want something soft between the top and board to keep from scratching the top. It wouldn't have to be much, a piece of flannel cloth or something like that would do it.