Modular Bar Gauge System


ben_r_

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modular-bar-gauge_tammel-system_01.jpg

What do you guys think? Anyone jumping up and down for this one? If it were 1/3 the cost I'd probably pick one up, but IMO they are just asking way too much for this. Why go this route when you can go with the already expensive Lee Valley offering? LINK

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I got 3 of the Rockler version. Aluminum rods from the big box stores vary greatly in diameter. I learned to take one of the heads with me to check the fit. I cut the rods to give me several pairs that overlap in size range.  A little plastic box holds all the different tips. I debated building a case then I found a soft shotgun case on sale that holds all the rods. Got the bar gauge sets on sale for $20 each. The rods were $6 -$8 each.  So I've got over $128 invested in 3 sets and the case..  Being able to take multiple inside , diagonal and outside measurements at clients made it worth it to me.  Checking cabinets & drawers diagonally for squareness is a common use in the shop. 

As a set Rocklers version is absolutely the way to go. I had the Veritas heads that worked with shop made wooden flat bars but they flexed & warped too much. The new Veritas set with segmented aluminum rods seems overpriced just like the Woodpeckers set.

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Yea Ive seen the Veritas set too and it will definitely get up there in price once you start adding more accessories/rods/etc to the total. I like how you pieced your kit together though, thats a good idea.

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Plastic box I used for the various tips.

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=64689&cat=1,44047,64684,64689

Get better Allen wrenches. The supplied ones are soft & wear fast. The plastic threads hold up fine just don't overtighten them. I just know a cop is going to overreact if they see a soft shotgun case in a van full of tools. A couple of clients have asked what's in the case already .

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/allen-durango-52-shotgun-case-16alnu52drngshtgngua/16alnu52drngshtgngua

2-48" rods lets you measure around 90" , they fit in the case and an opening wider than that shouldn't need such a tight fit anyways.

http://www.rockler.com/rockler-3-in-1-bar-gauge 

plus the trammel heads are included. I had to draw a 30" circle & they worked great.

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