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Measuring / Fitting Gauge

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Forum topic by David posted 473 days ago 403 views 0 times favorited 12 replies Add to Favorites
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David

1806 posts in 580 days


473 days ago

Topic tags/keywords: jig gauge measuring fitting

This is a quick and easy measuring gauge that I use for trimming and fitting stock to final dimension. It is made of two thin strips of hardwood (in this case cherry) held in position with a spring binder clamp. I basically lightly loosen the clip and slide the strips tight against the space where a piece of trim is being fitted. I then transfer this dimension to the table saw or chop saw. This is often better than using a measuring tape. Sometimes I will add the thickness of a card or folded piece of paper to “spring” the piece for a tight fit or hone in on the dimension with several cuts. I keep this close by on my bench with several different lengths for various sized openings.

Simple pieces make-up this gauge. Two thin strips of wood and a spring binder clip.


Here the gauge is being used to measure the dimensions for a thin plywood insert to hide the pocket screw construction of a cherry display shelf for some good friends in Central Oregon.


Another view of the gauge being used to measure the dimensions for a thin plywood insert to hide the pocket screw construction.


Here you can see one end of the gauge against the one edge of the dimension being measured. The screw and washer are used to attach the cherry top to the shelving system. Oversized hole under the washer allows for seasonal movement of the solid wood top.


Here you can see the final fit of the plywood insert.

-- http://foldingrule.blogspot.com

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oscorner

4576 posts in 752 days


473 days ago

Cheap and accurate! Exellent!

-- Jesus is Lord!

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Karson

12617 posts in 842 days


473 days ago

Great idea David. Tks.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

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USCJeff

789 posts in 510 days


473 days ago

Ingenious! So simple, but so effective. It’s much like a story stick, but it can be adjusted to meet all applications. This would help with shelving or drawer diminsions. I’m going to the stationary drawer to get a clip right now!

-- Jeff, South Carolina

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WayneC

5689 posts in 539 days


473 days ago

Cool. Easy to build. Perfect.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

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Nicky

77 posts in 533 days


473 days ago

What a great idea! Seems that most of the great ideas are simple and cheap. I have a draw full of these clips. Thanks!

-- Nicky

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MsDebbieP

11547 posts in 602 days


473 days ago

well isn’t this the most brilliant things I’ve ever seen!!!

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

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David

1806 posts in 580 days


473 days ago

Thanks!

I use this trick all the time – even with carpentry projects such as fences and decks.

-- http://foldingrule.blogspot.com

View mot's profile

mot

4837 posts in 478 days


473 days ago

It’s the recreatable aspect of this solution tool that impresses me. Thanks for the tip!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

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woodspar

684 posts in 541 days


473 days ago

Those clips also work great for chip bags.

-- John

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USCJeff

789 posts in 510 days


473 days ago

I agree with Mot. The use of “story sticks” is nothing new. This is a more unique solution that adapts to other applications.

-- Jeff, South Carolina

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Mike Lingenfelter

384 posts in 555 days


472 days ago

I used the same technique when I had to measure my house for mini-blinds. It gave me a very accurate measurement for the inside of my windows. I was able to run the sticks up and down the window jams to see if there were any variations. I got a very nice fit doing it that way.

Mike

-- Mike - http://inquisitivewoodworker.blogspot.com/

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cajunpen

5352 posts in 507 days


471 days ago

David thanks for a great tip – I’ll put it to use tomorrow.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

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