A typical application of clamps, the braces have been fitted into the body and their locations marked on the face. A clamp pad or caul is placed between the clamps and the other side of the face to protect the top surface.
The top bar is drilled with a 7/32in (5mm) dia hole, and a 1/4in (6mm) screw is run through, cutting it's own threads. I epoxied some washers in the slot to turn the screws by hand. You can use a thumb screw, but I don't advise using a driver tool as it could slip off the screw and damage the face. The bottom caul is cut with a curve to match the brace and cushioned with a strip of thick leather.
The brace locations are marked on the face and a line drawn across the face to align the brace. I cut some soft wood blocks with a shallow hole in one side to capture the screw end and a notch on the other side to center on the brace's top edge. You won't need the notch if the brace is square on the top. This brace is a for a restoration and the braces are pre-shaped.
The screw, block and brace must be aligned before applying pressure with the screws. This is easy to do with this tool. Slide the face, brace and/or block in the clamp until they are directly lined up at both ends of the brace.
Once all the the blocks are positioned, the screws are gradually tightened until the brace is clamped firmly on the face surface. Check the alignment as you tighten each screw. The excess glue is then carefully scrapped off. I use a square end pallatte knife or a wooden scraper. Take care not to remove any wood.
