Woodpecker Big Calipers

[jeffinsgf]

This is what I was referring to, have had it for years and use it after rediscovering last year. Except I either never bought or thoroughly misplaced the inside/outside caliper arms and can't get myself to buy replacements for $22 bucks. Instead, I'll pay $180 bucks for Bigcal...

The story sticks are really best at transferring layout lines to flat stock. And the story stick arms are too wide to make really small inside small gaps.

RMW

Knowing a tiny bit about your purchase history, I'm going to guess the caliper arms didn't exist when you bought your story stick. They were a later addition. I'm just sayin' you can stop looking in the drawers...they're probably not there.
[big grin]

 

[rmwarren]

This is what I was referring to, have had it for years and use it after rediscovering last year. Except I either never bought or thoroughly misplaced the inside/outside caliper arms and can't get myself to buy replacements for $22 bucks. Instead, I'll pay $180 bucks for Bigcal...

The story sticks are really best at transferring layout lines to flat stock. And the story stick arms are too wide to make really small inside small gaps.

RMW

Knowing a tiny bit about your purchase history, I'm going to guess the caliper arms didn't exist when you bought your story stick. They were a later addition. I'm just sayin' you can stop looking in the drawers...they're probably not there.
[big grin]

[member=7266]jeffinsgf[/member] that is both extremely helpful and slightly disturbing...  [poke] Thank you.

Just don't share that info with the boss.

RMW

 

[Packard]

A very handy large scale story stick can be made from wood screen molding.

I first used this method when cutting down a 10’ long wood butcher block countertop.  An error in measuring would have meant an expensive mistake.

I got two pieces of 8’ long beaded screen molding.

Make sure that the ends have nice square cutoffs. 

Place the two pieces of molding face to face so that the beads interlock and are offset by one bead.  Use two “bulldog” binder clips to clamp them together.  They represent a good compromise on strength of hold and convenience.  Small C-clamps will work, but the weight and bulk make them less than ideal.  Rubber bands work great, and are cheap.  But adjusting lengths is burdensome.  The binder clips seem like the best solution.

The beads will keep the sticks in straight alignment.  Slide the sticks until at the correct length and use the clips to lock into place.  I use 2 clips on longer lengths; one clip is fine for shorter pieces.  On long pieces a 12” overlap is ideal. 

I end up cutting these to appropriate lengths, so they become a consumable item in my shop.

Note:  I used to be able to find these moldings with 4 beads.  The 3 bead variety is all I have seen lately.  I liked the 4 bead variety better as the offset when face to face was smaller.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Just don't share that info with the boss.

RMW

Oh, I didn't look you up. I'm just postulating based on your posts here.  [big grin] What gets posted on FOG stays on FOG.