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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    27

    Default Made my own compass!

    So I don't have a compass and when making bowls- you kinda need one. Go figure!

    I haven't found a suitable one for a reasonable price. I decided to make my own until I decide to cough up the money to buy a nice one.

    So I took this piece of scrap 2x2, drilled some holes in it then lathed it into this elongated shape...

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1366181811.702651.jpg

    Insert tiny screw driver into the little hole and drop a pen into the other holes...

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1366181918.735683.jpg

    It works!

    I don't have a drill press, so the holes don't line up all perfect- but it gets the job done and allowed me to cut a 12" bowl blank today!

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1366181990.835892.jpg


    love
    nick

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    Dundowran Beach
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    Thumbs up


  4. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    armidale.nsw.australia
    Age
    70
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    2,005

    Default

    hi nick,
    that is pretty flash nick,i just use a piece of wire wrapped
    around a pencil with a nail in the other end
    but i like your idea too!!!!!!!!!!! i might just pinch that
    cheers smiife

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    61

    Default

    Improvisation can be the mother of invention. Well done mate.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    moonbi nsw Aus
    Age
    69
    Posts
    2,065

    Default

    Nick, You may have some Australian blood in your DNA. That sort of improvisation is some we Aussies do a lot
    Just do it!

    Kind regards Rod

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Mosgiel New Zealand
    Posts
    221

    Default

    yes I made one the same ,but now I have cut a stack of discs varying sizes out of scrap thin Md with small hole in the center I place flat head nail in the hole place disc over block and drive the nail part way home, then cut the block on the band saw just outside the disc result a reasonly well balanced turning blank, its cheap and easly replaced if you have an opps

    Cheers Ian

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    950

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TreeClimberNick View Post
    ...lathed it into this dildo shape...
    Love the technical terminology there

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    27

    Default Made my own compass!

    You gotta admit- there isn't a better way to describe it!

    I only wish I had a drill press so the holes would've been aligned.

    But- the most important part is that it works!


    love
    nick

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Bristol, UK
    Age
    66
    Posts
    1,540

    Default

    A very clever solution. I can think of a lot of more difficult ways to achieve this, but this must win the 'Keep it simple stupid' prize.

    Brilliant, well done.
    Dragonfly
    No-one suspects the dragonfly!

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    27

    Default Made my own compass!

    The little screw driver as the center point was found on the sidewalk the day before! I ground the tip to a blunt point.

    I wonder how well a ball point pen will work on wet wood. We shall see


    love
    nick

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    East of Melbourne Aus.
    Age
    72
    Posts
    1,220

    Default

    We in Australia don't know what is a "bleeped" shape?
    I am learning, slowley.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    gippsland
    Posts
    815

    Default

    This is how i have been cutting my bowl blanks which is great if you have a bandsaw, it eliminates the need for a compass just need to drill a small hole for the pin on the jig which can easily be adjusted for any radius , the jig slides on the bs table until the blade and pin line up and simply turn the stock until you have a near perfect circle
    SAM_0551.jpg

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