Author Topic: Sticky Note Suggestion "Tool Calibration Methods"  (Read 16340 times)

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Offline clark_fork

  • Posts: 306
Sticky Note Suggestion "Tool Calibration Methods"
« on: April 28, 2021, 12:34 AM »
Workshop competency is a worthy aim.  Of the four quadrants of competency, the conscious competent, the unconscious competent, the conscious incompetent and the unconscious incompetent, obviously the third quadrant, the conscious incompetent is the most challenging. The Rumsfeld paradox is certainly a truism that “There are things we don’t know we don’t know. In the workshop, calibration of tools such as parallel guides, track saws, rail add-ons, dovetail jigs and certainly the LR-32 system is an area where there is a lot we don’t know.

Last week, I set about setting up my LR-32 plate on the 1100 Router. Although of advanced age, I set aside my retro-generational ways of consulting a manual, and went immediately to You-Tube; quickly finding a video (Sedge). One segment surprised, that of calibrating the guide rod at zero, utilizing the notch in the front of the plate. It then occurred to me that there are a myriad of calibration tips, methods and steps that are just out there, unorganized and random.

Thus a suggestion to add a new Sticky Note….

Under the Festool Jigs & Tool Enhancements, an additional Sticky Note “Tool Calibration Methods” would allow the posting of easily referenced calibration data, videos, and general postings specifically geared to achieving calibration competency.

In the instant case of the LR-32 system, I found the two guide rods required an adjustment, one that I was not aware I was able to make and I have used this system for three years.

Yes, I did not know what I did not know.

Clark Fork

"A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I'm afraid of widths."  Stephen Wright

"straight, smooth and square" Mr. Russell, first day high school shop class-1954

" What's the good of it?" My Sainted Grandmother

"You can't be too rich, too thin or have too many clamps." After my introduction to pocket joinery and now the MFT work process

"Don't make something unless it is both made necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful,
don't hesitate to make it beautiful." -- Shaker dictum

Offline tsmi243

  • Posts: 450
Re: Sticky Note Suggestion "Tool Calibration Methods"
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2021, 09:55 AM »
You have a way with words, Clark  [big grin]

Offline LeoSmith

  • Posts: 1
Re: Sticky Note Suggestion "Tool Calibration Methods"
« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2023, 03:46 PM »
Even though the thread is a couple of years old, your idea of a Sticky Note dedicated to "Tool Calibration Methods" remains relevant and valuable. Organizing calibration insights in a centralized space is a fantastic concept. Have you explored notesonline.com? This online tool is designed for note-taking and sharing, making it a potential hub for compiling calibration tips, methods, and videos. Your suggestion aligns well with the collaborative nature of platforms like this, where knowledge can be easily shared and accessed. Keep up the great thinking and contributing to the community's knowledge pool!
« Last Edit: August 12, 2023, 01:20 PM by LeoSmith »

Offline Mini Me

  • Posts: 503
Re: Sticky Note Suggestion "Tool Calibration Methods"
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2023, 07:30 PM »
As a background to calibration of tools this is a good read.

https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/metrology-for-the-cabinetmaker-introduction/

I myself have a standard length bar that I use to set all fences in the workshop so I get a standard cut from all my saws. Measurement is done by steel rules or certified tapes but the tapes don't get a lot of use in the workshop. I am in the process of putting DRO's on all my fences so the standard bar won't be needed at all when that is done. All the DRO's will have fine adjusters on them as that makes it way easier to finesse any measurement be it spot on or a bit over or under a measurement and which makes it repeatable if needed.