Why not layout braces from the top

[routestep]

This is an interesting concept

Canopy, when you cut the brace mortise, at the inside end, do you bore straight in to the wood, or do you angle the cut in to match the angle of the brace?

I'm just curious.

[canopy]

Mortises are the same as usual--angled.

[Brian_Weekley]

Mortises are the same as usual--angled.

Is cutting the mortise pocket at an angle to match the tenon the usual?  I believe more people may cut the mortise pockets straight, which seems to be much easier and faster—especially with a boring machine.  Which way is actually more common for folks out there?

[canopy]

Rough out is also normally performed perpendicular to the timber using a drill, chain mortiser, and even a chisel. And you really have to do it that way to make the front bearing surface flat. So I presumed the question was in regards to the back pocket angle which is typically 45°. I plunge the very back a little shallower so sometimes this angle needs to take some wood off from what the back plunge left behind as well.