Improve TSO stops for parallel guides?

[MacBoy]

Y’all probably seen the announcement of TSO’s new generation of Parallel Guides.

It’s great they eliminated the parallax error that happened with the cursor blade on their stops.

Each. new. stop. is. $60 It’s nicely backwards compatible to the existing rails that are already in our shops.

Has someone improved the cursor blade with a 3D printed add-on

Perhaps with a clip-on bevel edge that tapers down to the scale markings.

I don’t have a printer. I’m willing to buy a printed accessory.

 

[usernumber1]

i just added self adhesive measuring tape which removed the gap and any parallax. i had other plans to add a small polycarbonate window with a cursor but it's been working great as is

bonus i have just metric now with clearer and finer lines, larger font and yellow/black is much easier to read

 

[MacBoy]

i just added self adhesive measuring tape which removed the gap and any parallax. i had other plans to add a small polycarbonate window with a cursor but it's been working great as is

bonus i have just metric now with clearer and finer lines, larger font and yellow/black is much easier to read

Oh cool — a simple method!

When you have a moment, share a photo please.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

I use my TSO parallel guides all the time but yes setting up the cursor has been a challenge especially with my eyes getting older. I struggle with do I center it on the mark or at the edge - as long as you are consistent with your method you will be fine. Many for years say they had no issues with this (including the manufacturer) but glad they nailed it with the new cursor design. I'm like you though that I'm not willing to part with $120+tax+shipping for the new ones. I'm going to try this, but, was wondering with the old stops if you just made the cursor a dull color instead of shiny stainless if this would help.

 

[4nthony]

….was wondering with the old stops if you just made the cursor a dull color instead of shiny stainless if this would help.

Maybe spray them with a matte black paint? Less reflective would probably help.

 

[Michael Kellough]

If you just want to knock down the reflectiveness, add a little Scotch Magic transparent tape. Only adds a few thousands of an inch.

Doesn’t solve the problem of the wide increments on the rail. You just have to get used to consistently aligning with whichever part of the mark works for you.

 

[MacBoy]

An idea with a buddy is to make a wood wedge that bolts into the hole for the cursor blade.

The wedge bevels down to the scale markings.

Kinda like a door stop.