"AAvK" wrote in message
news:K9Nwe.12730$ro.2368@fed1read02...

I am going to drill bench bolt holes into the stretchers and side braces
using a hand brace hopefully through a self centering doweling jig,
maybe 8" total depth to meet the nut holes, for the stretchers and shorter
for the side braces.

The cheapest alternative is to buy an auger bit for your brace (about $10 in
my area). Drill a small pilot hole (1/8") about 2-3" deep using whatever
means you have to make it straight. Then follow with the brace and bit.
The pilot hole will cause the brace to follow a straight path.

Bob