Well it is that time again. We have our last meeting of the year a week from tomorrow that is when I give the members something I made as a present.

This year I made a beam compass for that once in a lifetime time they have to mark out a circle too large for the standard Scissor compass. There are many ways to do this,a string and pencil, not very accurate, a stick with a pencil taped to it and a nail driven thru,that will work. But not as good as a fancy made wooden beam compass that should last a lifetime and be handed down to a youngster who says "Whats that thing for"?

 

The first picture is the mock up and the rest is the build.

Herb

I love the compass Herm.  Always wanted to make something like that but never got around to it.  I've made "one time only" compasses by drilling a hole in a narrow board to hold the pencil and located a screw  at the proper radius to provide the centering point. I'm sure your club members will cherish them. Great design and craftsmanship 

Sexy

Sure beats the heck out of trammel points

Those are great Herb.  I use one I have had since college drafting days.  Not near as good looking at those you made.

 

Dan

superb Herb...

Very nice!

Wish I was a club member. 

Really really nice gifts Herb, lucky club members.

Cal

58 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Wish I was a club member.

Yep me too!

Those are heirlooms indeed Herb! Simply amazing. You come up with the most useful, thoughtful and creative gifts for the members each year...

 

So, now a jillion questions for simple un-creative minds like mine...

(1) First & foremost...you did sign all of these, right?

(2) Where did you purchase the brass stock? width & thickness?

(3) What method did you use to adhere to the beam? Superglue? Expoxy? 

(4) Where did you purchase the brass screws for the pencil lock & beam head?

(5) Assume the pivot pin is a brass trim nail cut to length? Local source for it?

 

Alas probably would do me no good to possess one...I'd just lose the pencil and well, since it's attached to the beam arm all would disappear.

How do I join this club?   Very nice.

 

 

I always look in the background of people's photos for ideas.   I see a Zyliss vice -- do you use it often?  Someone gave me one and I sort of always forget I have it somewhere under the work bench.

Outstanding as always, Herb!

 

7 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Very nice!

Wish I was a club member. 

You mean we are not the Club? some good looking stuff you make to giveaway.

7 hours ago, kmealy said:

How do I join this club?   Very nice.

 

 

I always look in the background of people's photos for ideas.   I see a Zyliss vice -- do you use it often?  Someone gave me one and I sort of always forget I have it somewhere under the work bench.

Kieth ,I bought my first one in 1969 at the county fair, and had it in my tool box  to use for years clamped to a saw horse. Then at home clamped to my work bench. I lost it in the fire, so bought another  one for this shop. I use it it constantly more than my bench vise because it sets up higher and I can do so many things with it I can't do with the bench vise. Also can be removed when I want the space for flat work.

I can clamp things any length, I clamped a set of cabinets 20' long once on the job by attaching it to a 24' 2X4.

 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=zyliss+vise&_sacat=&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&rmvSB=true

 

Herb

Edited November 30, 20178 yr by Dadio

7 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Those are heirlooms indeed Herb! Simply amazing. You come up with the most useful, thoughtful and creative gifts for the members each year...

 

So, now a jillion questions for simple un-creative minds like mine...

(1) First & foremost...you did sign all of these, right?

(2) Where did you purchase the brass stock? width & thickness?

(3) What method did you use to adhere to the beam? Superglue? Expoxy? 

(4) Where did you purchase the brass screws for the pencil lock & beam head?

(5) Assume the pivot pin is a brass trim nail cut to length? Local source for it?

 

Alas probably would do me no good to possess one...I'd just lose the pencil and well, since it's attached to the beam arm all would disappear.

1. Haven't signed them, might do that

2. 1/4" X 1/16" X 12'' brass strips,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/K-S-064x1-4x12-Brass-Strips-1-8245/282748354425?epid=691173798&hash=item41d51d7f79:g:VPcAAOSw9hdaGZIo

3.I found that superglue worked the best.

4.https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Vtg-Stock-25-Harper-Knurled-Head-Thumb-Brass-Screws-6-32-3-4-Made-in-USA/132382678389?hash=item1ed29f5d75:g:5nsAAOSwo4pYQdy3

 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=brass+thumbscrews&_sacat=&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&rmvSB=true

 

5. Yes, http://www.rockler.com/solid-brass-escutcheon-pins

Awesome Gift!!

3 hours ago, Dadio said:

1. Haven't signed them, might do that

Assignment for tomorrow...please do that.

These deserve the maker's mark to preserve the history.

Very nice!