I’m so happy I finally got calipers. I went to home depot, lowe’s and OSH and nobody knew what the hell I was talking about. So until early this morning, I was going to build my own. I bought the 5/8 thick board to cut out the shape and then the screw and wingnut.
I kept digging though, and found this site -Clay Planet (http://shop.clay-planet.com/search.aspx?find=calipers) which is closest to home. Once I get there, there was a much better one laying right next to the generic ones and for only 25 bux. so stoked now.
$25 bucks is kind of pricey. That would have bought the wood, wingnut and probably a new jig saw at Harbor Freight to cut it out with.
This is the one I made after several drawings, scissoring out of paper and usability considerations.
Notice how a big thick rail can be accomodated at the scissoring end. Where as yours can only be used at 4-6" from the wingnut end depending upon the rail.
While mine are not quite perfect , they are adequate…could have used a bit more length for wider boards and a bit more openeness at the wingnut end for even thicker rails.
I say get your money back and put your mind to making your own!
I’m gonna give it a shot tonight. I measured the inside of the caliper and it can reach up to 11" wide and maybe 3" to 4" thick of rail. I still have a few drawings that I have on my kitchen table and will probably cut something up this weekend. You have a good one there though Otis.
This design might attain some more accuracy? If not, what about you buy a good pair and get it delivered to your front door in the mail? You will have them forever. $80 isn’t much in terms of a lifetime of shaping.