Brass Set Up Bars - A Must Have For Your Shop

If you are careful around your blades, you can use metric drill bits to set spacing and measurements.

-- Growing older but not up!

I have a set from Lee Valley and a day doesn’t go by that I don’t use them. I set router bit height, the blade height on the table saw, fence distances, etc…...

-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.

they work great… you can also get eh wixey set up tools and they work great too

-- making sawdust....

Look for metric “machine keys”, or whatever they’re called, maybe “Woodruff Keys”?, if you want square stock.

The items I’m thinking of are the square keys used on motor shafts to secure the pully.

I have a set of the brass versions, like yours, and always forget I have them. Thanks for the reminder!

-- - Real men read directions

I also have a set of brass set up bars in my shop. Before I had them, I thought the idea of brass bars was useless. Now that I have them, they are PRICELESS. I use them almost every time I’m in the shop. As a matter of fact, I use them so much for different things, I’ve thought about buying a different set just to keep on the other side of the shop.

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Great post Marty! I’ll check with the Brass to see if I can buy some brass.

-- Randy, Tupelo, MS ~ May I become more like the Master Carpenter every day.

Good evening, look at McMaster Carr or just about any other industrial supply house and search “key stock” brass seems to be the cheapest but I know that my 18-8 stainless bars work well in the shop. If you buy from McMaster Carr they come in 12 inch lengths and will allow for 3 or 4 “sets” to be made and shared.

-- kein Schaden ohne Nutzen

I got a assorted set of key stock at Harbour Freight. Less than $10. It has 10 or 12 of each size in the set.

-- Garyb6, “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler” - Albert Einstein

Since I’m a ‘newbie’ I didn’t , at first, know where to see a photo of the brass blocks, That aside, for anyone needing a reference tool [for setting-up, extablishing exact repeatable measurements, etc] I’d suggest adding a set of Machinists GageBlocks [or Guage] to your tool arsenal. They’re available typically rectangular; but, also square, and round shapes. Usually a set is around 80+ pieces, in a fitted case. They’re ‘certificated’, as to dimensional accuracy. Of course less accurate ones, are less $$$; but we woodworkers don’t require as much accuracy as a metal-machinist. Different shapes lend themselves to more specific guaging. They can be used, among other things, as ‘feeler guages’ for blade>fence set-ups, depth set-ups, etc.. Extend your measuring capabilities.

Check out this.

MLCSbrassrouterheightset-up_kit

Brass Router Height Set-Up Kits

Perfect for router, shaper and table saw set-up. Soft metal Brass Bars won’t splinter or chip your router bit or saw blade if they accidentally hit the cutters.

BRASS MULTI SIZE SET-UP KIT
2-3/8” bars allow accurate depth adjustments in 6 sizes (1/16”, 1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”). Attached to keychain. #9718 list $20.00….....................ONLY $15.95

SQUARE 4” LONG BAR KIT
Allows depth adjustments in five sizes: (1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”). 4” Long Bars fit across router opening. #9717 Square Bar Kit…................ONLY $24.95

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Thanks, LJs.

I picked up the metric key stock and a digital caliper from Harbor Freight. Measured the pieces and some are about a few hundredths of a millimeter smaller and some are larger than the stated sizes. I think this will work just fine for my woodworking measurements.

I knew that I could count on my buddies here. I have about 5 sets of bars. I’ll give them as door prizes at the woodworking club.

-- Makin' Sawdust!!!