Simple idea for home made parallel guides

[gbruzze1]

I've researched here and other places on previously made home-made parallel guides.  I've found many different ideas, all which seem very well thought out and effective.  However, many of these require parts beyond what I am set-up for/willing to do, such as machining bar stock, routing aluminum, etc. 

The idea I am toying with in my head seems very simple, almost too simple for me to believe it will work.  I am planning on buying (2) steel rules and (2) Veritas rule stops http://www.veritastools.com/products/Page.aspx?p=380 .  Then I am planning to secure the top side of the rule to a piece of 1/2" ply with machine screws, and (2) guide rail connectors to the 1/2" ply.

The guides will attach to the rail on the top side of the rail with the guide rail connectors, and the rule stops will act as the material stop.  Once I have it adjusted and lined up, I will put self-stick tape on the rule, because the original markings on the ruler will not be accurate.

So, if anyone has tried something like this, sees something obviously wrong that I'm not picking up on, or has a better idea which doesn't include machining any aluminum or anything like that, please feel free to chime in.

Also, sorry if similar ideas have been posted, on some of the threads on this matter I am unable to view all the pictures for some reason so I might be copying someones idea exactly but not knowing it.

Thanks in advance!

Gary

 

[Qwas]

Your idea sounds good and should work.   [smile]

One thing to keep in mind, even though I don't think it's a problem for you, the distance from the top of the guide rail to the bottom of the motor on the TS-55 needs to have enough clearance even when making a full depth cut.

Although the inch numbering on the rules may be useless, the other markings can be useful when changing the rule stops to another depth. When attaching the rules with the tape, I would have something (a board) under them that is parallel with the guide rail's cutting edge and have the rule stops attach at a preset distance. Now you should be able to attach the rulers and have the marks dead on with each other.

 

[fidelfs]

John Lucas (RIP) developed something similar and it worked very well.

Take a look here!