Parallel guide improvement

[VictorL]

Here is my parallel guides improvement. These clear acrylic plates improve stability (guides don't twist rail anymore)  and usability. Scribed line helps adjust cut width.

[attachimg=1]

I used M4 screws and die. Standard metric threads are finer than standard imperial threads. There are 1/4"-20 and M6 bolts (below).  The same ratio is true for other "standard" threads. (It's another reason switch to metric )

[attachimg=2]

VictorL

 

[tbellemare]

I like that a lot, Victor!

There are good reasons to have different thread pitches. The first reason is that finer threads are more prone to cross-threading. Finer threads also hold better than course threads with equal depth of thread engagement.

M6 (course) has a pitch of 1, which is between 1/4"-20 and 1/4"-28 (25.4).

Incidentally, I'm a fan of metric myself. I spent a long time designing things with Unified Screw Thread hardware though.

Tom

 

[wubears71]

I really like that mod.  I've been planning on modding mine but haven't found the time.  This is perfect. 

 

[Alan m]

looking good.
i 2 have been meaning to do this

 

[frodo]

great idea Victor. Hope you don't mind if I use it!

 

[RDMuller]

Does anyone know of a source of an acrylic piece like this that serves as a "magnifying glass".  Kreg tool uses on on their fences that have flip down to set length --- e.g. for a chop saw.  The line can be very precisely set with this "magnifier"

 

[Theshipstore]

RD.  Rockler sells a self adhesive hairline indicator for flip stops. A pack of two sells for 4.29. The Rockler item # is 40331' these might work for you

Sal

 

[Captainwrinkles]

You Sir, are a Genius!

 

[sgryd]

Excelent!
I have extende mine in one direction so they won't fall of the sheet. Didn't think of extending it over the scale as well. I'll change my extension for acrylic over the scale. Thank you!

 

[Sparktrician]

The thing that I've found is that using the acrylic pieces as you've done is that they sometimes get in the way for close-in work.  Someone here on the FOG has done a similar mod using only one screw (vs. two), allowing the acrylic piece to pivot out of the way.  I was unable to find that mod or I'd link to it.  I believe that I'm going to rework mine to pivot. 

[smile]

 

[nclemmons]

There was a mod that I think used a house key that flipped around.  The one thing you may want to do with the acrylic is use a fender washer under the screw if you're going to make it rotate to give you some strength and not crack the acrylic with only one screw.

great mod idea!

neil

 

[ScotF]

Great mod, Victor! Thanks for sharing and the pics.

Scot