NeilS
22nd May 2010, 02:48 PM
I've been using these (slightly) modified calipers for some time and have found them to work quite well.
137521
They were originally this (http://www.cws.au.com/shop/item/305mm-internal-external-calipers) design and I reversed one leg which I found worked better on getting into deeper and larger bowls. Also reduced the width at the end of the straighter arm so that it could slip under the jaws of the chuck to measure the depth of the base. The rubber band (a braid covered hair band) acts like a return spring that allows for quicker and one handed operation.
Only downside is the depth of reach, about 9", which falls short of what I need on larger bowls or more sculptural forms. 12" reach would be better. I could make some larger ones myself but would prefer to buy some, metal work not being my thing. Does anyone know of a source of some larger ones of this type of caliper?
The Kelton large calipers (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Measuring___Calipers___Kelton_Caliper___kelton_caliper?Args=) look like an option, but none of the Australian McNaughton suppliers seem to list them. Also, not sure I like a measuring scale instead of actual distance as is the case with the above style.
While on calipers, I recently unearthed this set of measuring cards (5cm to 20cm) that I used back when I was doing production pottery (used when making precisely fitting lids).
137522 137523
Anyway, I idly thought I might be able to make some use of them somehow in the woodturning workshop. Didn't take me long to start to find uses for them until I now reach for them as much or as often as my spring bow or vernier calipers. Not sure I would have thought it worthwhile to take time out to make a set, but having them already is proving a boon. One downside of this set is the clear plastic... they literally can't be seen if they fall down on the shavings. Something more opaque would work better. I've just remembered that something similar came with an early Woodfast chuck for matching tenons and recesses to the jaws.... an old idea, recycled.
.....
137521
They were originally this (http://www.cws.au.com/shop/item/305mm-internal-external-calipers) design and I reversed one leg which I found worked better on getting into deeper and larger bowls. Also reduced the width at the end of the straighter arm so that it could slip under the jaws of the chuck to measure the depth of the base. The rubber band (a braid covered hair band) acts like a return spring that allows for quicker and one handed operation.
Only downside is the depth of reach, about 9", which falls short of what I need on larger bowls or more sculptural forms. 12" reach would be better. I could make some larger ones myself but would prefer to buy some, metal work not being my thing. Does anyone know of a source of some larger ones of this type of caliper?
The Kelton large calipers (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Measuring___Calipers___Kelton_Caliper___kelton_caliper?Args=) look like an option, but none of the Australian McNaughton suppliers seem to list them. Also, not sure I like a measuring scale instead of actual distance as is the case with the above style.
While on calipers, I recently unearthed this set of measuring cards (5cm to 20cm) that I used back when I was doing production pottery (used when making precisely fitting lids).
137522 137523
Anyway, I idly thought I might be able to make some use of them somehow in the woodturning workshop. Didn't take me long to start to find uses for them until I now reach for them as much or as often as my spring bow or vernier calipers. Not sure I would have thought it worthwhile to take time out to make a set, but having them already is proving a boon. One downside of this set is the clear plastic... they literally can't be seen if they fall down on the shavings. Something more opaque would work better. I've just remembered that something similar came with an early Woodfast chuck for matching tenons and recesses to the jaws.... an old idea, recycled.
.....