Search |
1v2s8048014240000)
ike share <4) Ga 20
an advertisement
Workshop Projects
Making A Beam Compass
Leer este articulo -spanish-,
Occasionally I need to draw circles or arcs of a specific size, usually smaller ones. In the
past I've used various ways to do this, often searching for the right size round thing in my
shop or surrounding area. Much time can be burned up that way and after looking high and
low, I still might not find the diameter I need.
For an exact size, my favourite was to simply cut a thin strip of wood to length that is
equal to the radius of the circle and swing that around a finish nail driven into the centre
as a pivot. This works well but lacks the convenience and speed of a purpose built tool,
something that can be quickly adjusted and used over and over.
A while ago I bought a nice compass for sketching ideas on paper, to use at my desk. As
expected, at some point it found its way into my shop and now has wound up in this
debilitating condition:TTT ial
en
It got broke! Such is the state of modem manufacturing when a flimsy cast part is used
and can't stand up to just a few hundred pounds of wood and shop tools piled on it.
With this tragedy and the immediate need to draw 3-1/2" circles, 1 decided to make a
compass for shop use. I thought about it, did some sketches, mocked up some parts and
settled on the final design. While building it, I made a video of the proceedings:
Make A Beam Compass
itch the latest videos of new projects,
www. m/user/jpheisz).
To get started, I cut two strips of hardwood, leaving them long. I then cut them to length
wandikaatckhe off-cut ends. These pieces were then glued in at each end of the "beam":
PLANS TPS FORUM
(fp: ren built. ca/prajatts nen built. ca/plahtiaibuidt.cavtriahttp:/wwibuildt.ca/forums/)
tips htmAfter the glue had dried, I sanded the beam smooth on my belt sander platform
:J/www.ibuil ts = I), and trimmed the ends
off:To make it so that it will clamp tightly on the pencil, I cut a slot in the end:images/Compass/WBC (8).JPG)
This can also be done ona band saw or by hand If you are squeamish about doing it this
way.
With the beam finished, I made the pivot pin. It's a 1/4" bolt, cut to length and sharpened
to a point:f)
Ga |
FOUN GT MITERESTANG)
Some test circles:Works great! Infinitely adjustable within its range and very easy to make and use. It's
already a valuable addition to the shop and I expect it'll be used often, assuming I can
find it. I'll probably paint the beam a bright colour, yellow, for example, to make it more
visible
I made a detailed building plan in SketchUp that is available here:
Beam Compass (._/difiles/Beam Compass. ski
It has all of the details to build your own.You will need to download and install SketchUp
to view these plans. SketchUp is free and available here:Beam Compass
Jdfles/Beam Compass,skp)
Hanoware
Teas Jdtfles/Beam Compass.skp)
If you prefer an easy to print pdf version, Jay Bates (http://jayscustomcreations.com/)
took the time to make this one from the SketchUp file:
Beam Compass (Images/Compass/beam compass. pdf
It's a single page to print and take the the shop with you. Thanks Jay!
Sign up for the weekly email updates (../mail-list.html) to be notified when new articles
are published and other news.
Other Interesting Projects:
Jother
projects/wood-knife-1 html)
‘Wooden
Pocket Knife
Back To Top2.Commonts Sort by| Top
‘Add a comment,
Helen Slimmond - University of Aberdeen
| am not technical but made one to my own needs with magnetic knife holder
and nail/screws, Great time saver for my painting
Like - Reply: Sep 2, 2015 822am
Damascono Damasceno « FERP-UGB
Congratulation, | made this tool is very useful
Like “Reply: Aug 6.2015 7:18am
[Ey Facebook Conments Pugin
LINKS (ftp: bul cfInks- tm TERMS (ht: ult caters and: PRIVACY (htp/;wor ulitcafrivacy- DISCLAIMER
conctonetiny Paley em Trip Thwne bale ca aeons Ra)