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You can make shop calipers from wooden jaws and a metal shop ruler, using the ruler as the measuring component. Make:’s 2016 project overview describes two designs by woodworker Jack Houweling and an inspired version from Trevor’s Workshop. They offer different scales and jaw arrangements, but the overview is not a complete precision-instrument plan: it does not give full dimensions, a complete materials list, or tested accuracy.
How the three designs differ
Gareth Branwyn’s Make: article, published July 13, 2016, describes these designs and their intended features. The comparison below reflects that account; it is not an independent performance test.
| Design | Scale and jaw arrangement | Described use |
|---|---|---|
| Houweling’s first design | Described as large; the article gives its original size as “28′,” an ambiguous notation that should not be converted to inches or feet. | A wooden caliper using a metal shop ruler as its measuring component. |
| Houweling’s improved design | Smaller overall, with larger jaws. | Measures with the caliper jaws; the larger jaws can also work somewhat like a T-square for marking cut lines and squares along a workpiece. |
| Trevor’s Workshop inspired design | Adds a set of jaws for inside measurements. | Provides an additional jaw arrangement for measuring inside a space. |
Materials and what is—and is not—specified
The described measuring component is a metal shop ruler of the builder’s choice. The bodies and jaws are wooden. Make: does not name a ruler brand, length, graduations, wood species, or stock dimensions, so those choices are not specified requirements.
The article characterizes the project as achievable with basic shop tools, but it does not provide a complete tool list or build specification in its overview. For the project account and its links to the makers’ instructions, see Make:’s “Make Your Own Shop Calipers”.
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Big Horn 19053C 3 Pieces 8-Inch Spring Caliper / Divider Set
- Big Horn outside calipers is a useful measurement transfer tool when working with round stock or oddly shaped materials and then transferring that measurement to a ruler | Big Horn inside calipers are great for gauging the inner diameter of an opening and then transferring that measurement to a ruler
- Big Horn flat leg dividers is a useful measurement transfer tool for uneven surfaces; Also great for a variety of uses such as tracing contours and scribing circles into metal
- The forged high carbon steel legs feature hardened points for precise marking of the work piece | An adjusting screw has a self-seating washer and nut to permit quick and positive adjustment
- Hardened and tempered bow springs and fulcrum spools assure uniform tension without side play while using this caliper set
- Includes: 8-inch Outside Caliper | 8-inch Inside Caliper | 8-inch Divider
What to check before building
- Choose the ruler you intend to use as the measuring component; the cited account does not establish compatibility with any particular model.
- Decide whether you need only the described caliper arrangement or the added inside-measuring jaws shown in the inspired design.
- Use the linked maker instructions for construction details. The Make: overview does not establish exact dimensions, fastening methods, measuring range, tolerances, or accuracy results.
Because those specifications and test results are absent, treat the designs as woodworking project ideas rather than verified precision instruments or replacements for calibrated measuring tools.
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Saysurey Bowl Calipers Double Ended Wood Lathe, Stainless Steel, 11 Inch
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- Solid and Reliable: our wood turning caliper is crafted from stainless steel; Connected with hand-tightened screws, Fine workmanship ensures long-lasting durability and resistance from rust and corrosion; The sleek, silver-colored caliper also gives a professional touch to your woodworking tools
- Precision-focused Tool: double-head design, this construction aids in achieving accurate measurements with its calipering abilities, thereby ensuring precise results for your working projects; Readings can be transferred from one end to the other without disassembling the caliper
- Optimized Size for Efficiency: with an overall size of 11 inches and a functional length of 5.5 inches from the pivot point to the tip, our woodworking caliper not only aids precision but also ensures comfort during extended periods measurement; This woodworking caliper tool seamlessly combines functionality and convenience, adding value to your measurement
- Widely Applicable: the woodworking caliper measuring tool is suitable for woodworking to measure the wall thickness and diameter of hollow shapes and bowls such as pottery, wood piles, etc. It can also be applied to machine tools; Be it for regular woodworking or craftsman, this double ended bowl caliper proves to be an indispensable tool
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Shop Fox D4596 Woodworking Caliper Set (5 Piece)
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Kings County Tools Industrial Caliper and Woodworking Compass Set, 7-Piece
- 7-PIECE DRAFTING KIT - Our 7-piece woodworking or drawing tools set includes a round caliper, a straight caliper, a pencil compass, an eraser, two pencils, and a brass pencil sharpener, all designed with quality you can count on.
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE - This drafting set is comprised of rugged, industrial-grade workshop instruments that offer precise results. Use the calipers and math compass for woodworking or for the daily tasks of serious architects, draftsmen, and engineers.
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION - The drawing compass geometry tool set is milled from solid steel, with brass fittings, heavy-duty fitted hinges, and knurled locking nuts. If you appreciate minimalist design and simple functionality, this geometry set is for you.
- CARRYING CASE INCLUDED - Our metal compass set comes with a rugged wooden carrying case with a compartment for each piece, so you can safely store your geometry tools in your workshop or take these architectural drafting supplies to the jobsite.
- PRODUCT DETAILS - Materials: Steel, Brass, and Wood. Dimensions: Case - (L) 9.5” x (W) 9.5” x (H) 2”. 7-Piece Compass Set Includes Round Caliper, Straight Caliper, Pencil Compass, Eraser, Two Pencils, Brass Pencil Sharpener, and Wooden Carrying Case.
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Acrux7 3Pcs 8 Inch Long Spring Caliper Set, Carbon Steel Outside Divider Caliper Compass, Calipers Measuring Tool for Wood Turning Lathe Projects
- SIZE OF CALIPER SET: Our wood turning calipers made from high quality carbon steel; Package included 8 inch Outside Caliper, 8 inch Inside Caliper and 8 inch Divider; 8 inch size makes you measure more distances at a time
- RUST PREVENTION: We use chorme plate material to make outside calipers surface to ensure that it can work longer without corrosion and rust
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- DIVIDER CALIPER: A useful calipers measuring tool for uneven surfaces, great for many uses such as tracing contours and scribing circles into metal
- PRECISE MEASURE: The forged steel legs feature hardened points for precise marking of the work piece, precise fine adjustment due to solid nut; Works perfect for wood turning lathe projects
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