Ruler bits

**mklotz** · Jul 27, 2016, 11:53 AM

I made this years ago for some long-forgotten project but it's proved useful a few times since then.

Inevitably, there will be situations where you simply can't get a six inch scale 'in there' to measure something. My solution was to cut a scale into a number of pieces of different lengths and make a simple pinch clamp holder for the pieces.

I wasn't doing anything requiring high precision so I used a plastic scale. I suppose one could make a precision version by cutting up a steel scale and using a surface grinder to bring the pieces to size.

**DIYer** · Jul 28, 2016, 07:19 AM

Thanks mklotz! We've added your Ruler Bits to our Measuring and Marking category,
as well as to your builder page: mklotz's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Ruler Bits by mklotz

tags: scale

**clarion.peals** · Jul 28, 2016, 02:50 PM

Thanks MKLOTZ for posting this. I have a number of six inch scales both plastic and steel. I try to take carful care of them as they are my path to accuracy (such as it is) . As I seem to have a pile of these I feel you gave me permission to "scale down " one of these to fit the job at hand. Brilliant! I guess i just needed a bump! Thanks again, Christopher Newbury, Gentleman Turner

**mklotz** · Jul 28, 2016, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by clarion.peals

Thanks MKLOTZ for posting this. I have a number of six inch scales both plastic and steel. I try to take carful care of them as they are my path to accuracy (such as it is) . As I seem to have a pile of these I feel you gave me permission to "scale down " one of these to fit the job at hand. Brilliant! I guess i just needed a bump! Thanks again, Christopher Newbury, Gentleman Turner

If you want to really go first class, make both ends of the handle capable of carrying a scale bit.

**clarion.peals** · Jul 28, 2016, 03:12 PM

Another bump to the brain! Good idea. Perhaps sized for plastic at one end and metal at the other. Thanks again. C.N.

**skillet** · Jul 28, 2016, 07:03 PM

new to sote and am interested in homemade tools and lathe woodworking

**clarion.peals** · Jul 28, 2016, 09:47 PM

Hi skillet and welcome to the group. This is a place filled with great talent and a few guys like me still catching up. I myself am a wood turner and I do build tools for myself. Mostly because Im cheap and long lasting, unlike tools from the hardware store. I just love making shavings all day. I am trying to popularize bowls with multiple holes, jagged edges, and an oblong shape. Its not catching on so more shavings are needed. How long have you been at it? I would love to share what I know, and I will undoubtedly learn from you. feel free to chat it up any time with me ore some of that great talent i mentioned. Cheers, Clarion.peals AKA Christopher newbury

**Paul Jones** · Jul 30, 2016, 10:45 AM

Marv,

I like your ruler bits. Sometime in the 1970's I bought the Starrett S423 set for what seems like not much but never like the ruler bits in 1/64" and 1/32" divisions because I design in decimal inches. I think finding some old 0.01" division scales and cutting these up would be a great addition to the Starrett set. I like your idea of using both ends of the clamp rod. The Starrett has just a one end clamp slot but the slot is at 45 degrees so perhaps adding a slot at a slant at the other end would helpful for getting into tight spots. Thanks for the ideas.

Regards, Paul