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


Interesting, I can't see that... I have augers but they have lead screws, and that
going into a pilot hole with nothing to twist into so it is drawn in properly?

--
Alex - newbie_neander in woodworking
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/