DIY Magnetic Thickness Gauge

[ken cierp]

This is a very cool device -- here's Alain Bieber's version

[Robert Hosmer]

Good post, Ken!

So it's a shopmade Hacklinger gauge (I think)?
Very expensive tool if purchased.

BTW, Happy 4th of July!

Rob

[Dave Bagwill]

Interesting idea, in fact the best one I've seen. Thanks.

Gotta find a Haberdasher!

Happy 4th to all!!

[Tim Benware]

This is the $75 lazy builder version (that would me me).

http://www.magicprobe.net/

[Dave Bagwill]

Still have to purchase a controller, though? If I understand correctly, which is iffy before coffee....

[Tim Benware]

Still have to purchase a controller, though? If I understand correctly, which is iffy before coffee....

DANG! Somehow I missed that. Nevermind!

[Robert Hosmer]

So with the MAG-ic probe electronic system, we're looking at $300+ to get going.
For a precision electronic tool with the availability to create a map/file on your computer, that's still probably a good price.
The optional probes for different instruments is certainly a nice feature.

I think StewMac still sells their Hacklinger gauge for $250+. (Haven't checked in a while.)
Mechanical with (I think) one probe.
Never used one, so don't know if it's worth it or not, but then again it's probably overpriced for what it is. Just my thinking, but if you're gonna spend that much, you might as well spend the extra fifty to get the magicprobe.

This one that Ken's talking about could probably be made for hardly more than the cost of the magnets and scrap laying around the shop. My guess is that once calibrated, it would serve well to the average builder.

At present, I can't think of why I would need to invest in one of the commercial models; I'm just getting started with this.
I suppose if I was trying to "copy" an existing design then it would come in very handy. Sorta like those serious violin makers who purchase maps of a Stradivari (sp?), etc.
But every piece of wood is different, right? So, to me anyways, such a tool should be used for "ballpark estimates", not necessarily a precise measurement to which one should adhere.

Already very good guidelines out there for starting thicknesses, so I think for now I'll just write down the measurements as I build, monitor performance, and learn from it all.


Rob