Built in bench top ruler

[royce]

I think a built in ruler may prove handy.
So, I drilled and tapped the end of the bench to bolt a rotating end stop.
I used a 1-2-3 block for the stop and it rotates down below the bench top when not in use.
Next step is to mill a recess in the top so the rule lays a whisker below flush.
Then, I'll bore a few small holes to epoxy magnets in to keep it in place.

Royce

 

[nine4gmc]

Nice!

 

[mv213]

This is a cool idea!

 

[Richard Cranium]

At one of the hardware stores I had been in, just had a broken tape measure nailed to the work top. Yours is so much nicer.

 

[ilovevocs]

I like the stop, and I'm a huge fan of metal rulers.

In my last shop I had an adhesive tape on my bench that I initially installed for measuring wires when building wiring harnesses.

Shortly after its level convenience for all things measuring became apparent.

The steel ruler will certainly have better longevity than my stick on tape. Consider your idea barrowed and thank you for sharing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HMDFRM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[royce]

Got the ruler let in to the top tonight.
Thought I had some magnets but could not find them, so I'll have to wait on that.
The lufkin rule has really bold increment lines, which these tired eyes need.
After getting the ruler recessed, I set a starrett rule up against the end stop and it registers right on the left side of the heavy lufkin line, perfect for finer work.
The pic might explain it better.
Royce

 

[royce]

Thanks
nine4gmc
duckface
mv213
Richard
ilovevocs

I've used the sticky tapes on fence stops before but thought a steel ruler would wear better in this application and could also be removed easily to use elsewhere.
Royce

 

[Provincial]

Royce, couldn't you have used a more precision part for your end stop?

 

[royce]

Royce, couldn't you have used a more precision part for your end stop?

I was wading through the junk bins, trying to find something for a stop and stumbled on to a box of these blocks that I had got for a few bucks a piece and thought why not?
Worked out OK, don't you think?

Royce

 

[Provincial]

Yes it did. Must be nice!

 

[dirt_dobber]

what a great idea - now off to the store...

 

[Bill Bowman]

Nice job.

 

[cbacres]

That's cool, another feature I'll add to my maple bench after I get the top planed down.

 

[royce]

Shoveled a ton of snow today and also got the magnets glued in.

Royce