Popular Woodworking 2003-02 № 132, страница 12

Popular Woodworking 2003-02 № 132, страница 12

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Letters

Carnival Trick With Your Tape Measure

Use Your Tape to Measure Your Age

Reading the letter about left-handed tape measures in the December 2002 issue reminded me of a trick you can do with a tape measure that will fascinate your family and your woodworking friends.

Pull the tape out and double it over, placing the end of the tape on number 102 (for the year 2002). Now look back down the tape to the year you were born, which in my case would be 32 (for 1932). On the other side of the tape you will find your age, which in my case is 70. Both my kids and my grandson have found this a fascinating "trick."

Ed Merritt Skyline, Alabama

More Thoughts on Which Hand Tape Measures Should be Held With

I read the letter in the December 2002 issue, and I had some thoughts on why the numbers read reversed on tape measures.

I realize that most people are probably right-handed. Yet, you will notice that most people grab the tape in their left hand. When one does this, the numbers are upside down. But, it can also be presumed that people who are right-handed are stronger in their right hand. If that's the case, then perhaps the designers intend for the ruler or tape to be held in place with the stronger hand and the mark made with the weaker hand.

This could be an advantage when you're in an inconvenient position, such as on a rooftop or leaning over a wide board. It would seem more important to hold the rule steady and then make a mark, especially if you're trying to keep the hook from moving over a long distance.This could also apply to a folding ruler; all the left hand would have to do is to make a small pencil mark. Also, when retracting the hook, the right thumb on a right-handed person might have a little more control on the lock button.

And you'll notice that the belt hook is

on the left side of the tape case. If you're right-handed, you'll invariably try to hook it on the right side of your belt.

Ed Williams Elkhorn, Wisconsin

The Panel-cutting Sled Could be Dangerous - So Move the Fence

In the October 2002 issue you have plans for a panel-cutting sled for your table saw. In the article you have the fence at the front of the sled. This could be dangerous.

When you have the fence at the back of the sled, the rotation of the blade will help hold the stock/panel up against the fence. In the process, this will help keep your work lined up nice and straight (with less danger of a kickback).

A variation on the sled can be used to cut dados in stock that is too narrow to run up against the fence. Build a standard sled (fence to the back) with the base cut off to accommodate a stacked dado head (3/4" wide). On the fence, clamp a stop block and then you can make a number of parts complete with perfectly matching dados.

Donald Motter via the internet

Editor's note: I've been cutting panels this way for years without incident, and I consider continued on page 14

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12 Popular Woodworking February 2003