My homemade tool

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Tools
1

Hi all:

I build a lot of airliners, as well as others that require a straight line. After priming and a base coat, I plan to use this to set up a straight line for masking, such as a hull line on a ship. In the past I’ve had problems finding the right amount of books, CD cases, whatever else in combination to get the right height that I needed. On a recent visit to my aunt and uncle’s house, I went into the shop and after a few hours, I walked out with the parts that I needed and later glued the parts that needed it. I didn’t use any dimensions, only made it until it looked right and could accommodate a nut and bolt to hold it together. I figure I have about 300 degrees of rotation from one side to the the other, and as close or far as the beam can go. I wanted to share this if you needed ideas. If you want me to build one, I can do that also.I just have to come up with a jig to hold a model level about its longitudinal and lateral axis. Let me know your thoughts.

I plan on making improved versions, as far as stability of holding the marking tool (pencil, pen) and overall quality. This is just a prototype.

2

That’s a good idea. I actually bought one from Micro-Mark that I haven’t used yet. Yours looks like it would pass the test if you just work out a way to secure the marking tool better. A couple of small metal brackets should do the trick I would think.

3

I’m a firm believer in making your own tools when it is feasible. I guess if you have enough money, then buy all the tools you need as well as the kits. Personally, being retired and on a small pension and SS, I’d rather spend my money on kits, so if I can build a tool without a tremendous effort, I do so. Your tool is a great example of homemade tools that ease the modeling work, but don’t take enormous effort,

4

Is this the tool?

www.micromark.com/toolmakers-surface-gauge,7115.html

5

I have this tool. Make sure you use a pencil unless you really want to scribe a line. That needle that comes with it is razor sharp and will easily carve a line on your plastic model.

6

Yeah that’s the one I bought. I actually bought it in hopes of using it with my milling machine and lathe but haven’t done that yet either.