After oggling the professionally made tensioner wheel upgrades, I made this one with parts I had or made. Only cost me $5 for nuts and the threaded eye bolt.
At last look I had like five braces. I gave one away to an LJ and this one. I cut the top part off just above the handle. This ended up working out better than I even dreamed.
Great idea Jumbo, the ceiling in my basement shop is too low for a brace. That is why I modeled mine off of a hand crank style. Lower profile yet effective. I now remember to take the tension off the blade when it is not in use.
Now I know where I can use the hand wheel from my vise build( V1)http://lumberjocks.com/projects/93461
Which I no longer use and this looks like something I should do .
Good Idea ,Thanks for the post .
I did look into getting one of those. However, the satisfaction of making my own was worth the time and effort. It also helped me justify why I own all the tools that I have.
Great idea, both are fantastic. Techteacher, I'd love to see more pictures of yours. I so want to do something and I don't own a drill brace. I'm tired of breaking my knuckles.