69 - Bench Top Storage System, страница 30
JIGS & ACCESSORIES Turn a piece of plywood and a small metal rule into a precision set-up tool. Are you tired of constantly having to bend over to check the height of a bit or blade with a metal rule, or having to squint to "eyeball" a measurement? Well just grab a scrap of plywood, and you can turn a standard 6" metal rule into the precision, easy-to-read set-up gauge you see in the photo at right. The gauge won't take long to make. (I made mine in about an hour.) But it's sure to see constant use around the shop. Positioning a router table fence (upper photo below) or drill press fence Qower photo) is fast and easy. And setting the height of a router bit or dado blade (photo at lower right) is just as easy — and extremely accurate. Metal Rule - As I mentioned, this is a scrap wood project. But you will want to have your metal rule in hand before you start (I used a 6" rule.) That's because the rule rests in a shallow groove cut in the gauge. This groove keeps the rule straight up and down during use. What's important here is that the groove fits your metal rule. You're looking for a smooth, sliding fit. The easiest way to do this is to start with a 6V2M-square blank. (I used 3/t" Baltic birch plywood.) This makes it easy to cut a centered groove for the rule, as in Figures 1 and la. 1'V Lay Out Shape - 'Hie next step is to lay out the shape of the gauge on the plywood blank. As you can see in the photos and Figure 1, tine shape is a little unusual. 'Die reason for this "bow-legged" stance is to span wide openings around a bit or blade. And the narrower body at the top provides a comfortable grip. Router Table Fence. ► Setting the position of a router table fence can be a hassle. But with the set-up gauge laying on its side, it's a simple, accurate task. Drill Press Fence. ► In a similar manner, you can use the set-up gauge to position a drill press fence. This ensures that the drill bit is right where you want it. ▲ Dado Blade Height. The gauge also makes quick work of setting the height of a dado (or saw) blade. 30 ShopNotes No. 69 |
