Sticky Note Suggestion "Tool Calibration Methods"

clark_fork

Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2015
Messages
306
Workshop competency is a worthy aim.  Of the four quadrants of competency, the conscious competent, the unconscious competent, the conscious incompetent and the unconscious incompetent, obviously the third quadrant, the conscious incompetent is the most challenging. The Rumsfeld paradox is certainly a truism that There are things we don’t know we don’t know. In the workshop, calibration of tools such as parallel guides, track saws, rail add-ons, dovetail jigs and certainly the LR-32 system is an area where there is a lot we don’t know.

Last week, I set about setting up my LR-32 plate on the 1100 Router. Although of advanced age, I set aside my retro-generational ways of consulting a manual, and went immediately to You-Tube; quickly finding a video (Sedge). One segment surprised, that of calibrating the guide rod at zero, utilizing the notch in the front of the plate. It then occurred to me that there are a myriad of calibration tips, methods and steps that are just out there, unorganized and random.

Thus a suggestion to add a new Sticky Note….

Under the Festool Jigs & Tool Enhancements, an additional Sticky Note “Tool Calibration Methods” would allow the posting of easily referenced calibration data, videos, and general postings specifically geared to achieving calibration competency.

In the instant case of the LR-32 system, I found the two guide rods required an adjustment, one that I was not aware I was able to make and I have used this system for three years.

Yes, I did not know what I did not know.

 
As a background to calibration of tools this is a good read.
https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/metrology-for-the-cabinetmaker-introduction/

I myself have a standard length bar that I use to set all fences in the workshop so I get a standard cut from all my saws. Measurement is done by steel rules or certified tapes but the tapes don't get a lot of use in the workshop. I am in the process of putting DRO's on all my fences so the standard bar won't be needed at all when that is done. All the DRO's will have fine adjusters on them as that makes it way easier to finesse any measurement be it spot on or a bit over or under a measurement and which makes it repeatable if needed.
 
The "toe" adjustment and the ability to calibrate multiple TS to a single track, so they can share it, could probably go on this list.
 
Back
Top