The hardest thing about using the Parallel Guides is adjusting the pointers to the scales. I do wear glasses and normally have no problem reading the small print, but for some reason, that pointer is really tough to line up with the scale. Is there a "fix" for this? I know it aint broke, but I'm thinking...magnifier with hairline...what else?
Squint And Read Parallel Guides...
- Thread starter darita
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Corwin
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- Jan 22, 2007
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Parallel Guide Improvements
On Edit: Be sure to notice John Steven's post near the end of that thread for links to plastic 'magnifier' stock
On Edit: Be sure to notice John Steven's post near the end of that thread for links to plastic 'magnifier' stock
I saw some parallel guides with a 23ga pin super glued onto the pointer. It was also colored red/orange to make it easier to align with the markings.
Seth
Seth
Well, I just ordered some Precision Line Cursors from Kreg. Don't know how they'll fit this application, but they look like they will work...somehow. At any rate, if I can figure out how to mount them, they'll at least magnify the pointer and scale. Hopefully, the line will be of some use as well. One guy used some flat stock magnifier that was perfect for this application, but I can't seem to locate him or the material he used, so the Kreg Cursors will have to do for now.
Don't know if anyone is interested, but here's my fix pic. The pic had to be taken at an angle to avoid glare, but the hairline really does line up with the pointer quite well. It magnifies it just enough and with the hairline, makes it much easier to line up.
Eric, I actually just called Kreg and they found the part for me. Its the Precision Lens Cursor for the Precision Miter Gauge. I trimmed off the part I didn't need, then double-stick-taped the lens to the pointer. The raised pointer and tape lift the lens just enough to get it off of the scale.erock said:
southern_guy
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Ok, so here is my take on the solution to this problem. It consists of a bristle from a paint brush, attached with a dab of epoxy, in the middle of the V.
To position the stop precisely, I hold the bristle over the scale at the desired mark, and then position the stop so that the bristle is dead centre. It is very easy to see when it is slightly off centre, and it is also very easy to position the bristle on a scale line - when it is on the line it disappears!
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To position the stop precisely, I hold the bristle over the scale at the desired mark, and then position the stop so that the bristle is dead centre. It is very easy to see when it is slightly off centre, and it is also very easy to position the bristle on a scale line - when it is on the line it disappears!
[attachimg=#]
downtheroad
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- Oct 7, 2007
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erock said:
If you do a Google search for "bar magnifiers" , you'll see acrylic half-round reading aids that you may be able to find at an office supply.
Here's just one I found
There is a "key" addition from a couple of years ago here http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/key-additions-to-the-festool-fs-pa-and-fs-pa-vl/darita said:
It has the benefit of supporting the guides as well.
It can also be moved out of the way quickly if needed.
VictorL's solution was not totall obvious to me with my first look. I later went down to my shop and looked over the parallel guides and realized there is a change of level from the side stop to the main guide. I later (this morning) revisited this conversation and on closer look, it appears Victor's solution to be adding the washers below the plexiglass. Victor, is there only one washer for each bolt or two?
Tinker
Tinker
There are four washers (two per screw). I found thicker washers, so plexiglass plate has tiny space between scale and plate. Or use two thinner washers. Better if you'll use M4 screws because walls are too thin, metric M4 screws do have finer thread.
