Thanks for the extra info. The HF brake is too expensive, for me. I only need it on rare occasions, and the local shops have a $40-45 min charge. I can build one, I think for just a few bucks that will do what I need.
I searched the web and did see a few that were braced as you mention, moeh1, so maybe that will be easier. Wondering if there's a easy way to insure the brake pivots in the right place?