SAFETY FIRST. Wear proper protective gear and educate yourself in all appropriate safety precautions before working with the tools and materials. |
NOTE
Because it was necessary to make several revisions during the design and construction, I did not document the process with photographs. Most of the images in this tutorial are computer renderings based on the final design. If you note a disparity between the text and the illustration, follow the written instructions (and please notify me of any needed clarifications).
It took far longer to make the CG prototype than it did the actual plans holder. The construction is very simple and quick.
STEPS
In the CG illustrations (below), the dimensions of the wooden block are based on the piece I used--3 inches square by 1 1/4 inches thick. (The coupler is 1 1/2 inches long, and sticks out the bottom a bit.)
This hole should be exactly perpendicular to the surface. This is easily accomplished with a drill press. If, like me, you don't own a drill press, use a drill guide
Again being very careful to keep the bit perpendicular to the surface, drill a hole (diameter to match that of the dowel) about halfway into the block. This hole will need to clear the large hole drilled in Step 4 (above).
You can add a second arm assembly to secure the bottom edge of the plans, if you want to keep them taut.
the widest diameter of the EMT coupler. (The coupler illustrated on Page 1 is 15/16 inch). The radius is 1/2 of the diameter. Add 3/8 to 1/4 inch to the radius. Mark a center point on the top of the block of wood, such that the distance from the edge of the block to the center point is the radius plus 3/8 to 1/4 inch.
, Forstner
, etc.) approximately the diameter of the coupler (slightly larger is acceptable), carefully drill through the block at the point marked in Step 3 (above). As mentioned, the coupler I used was 15/16 inch; the bit I used was 1 inch.
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with my router in its table.
[TIP: In every package of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon is a polyethylene sheet which is perfect for this purpose. Its size and flexibility are convenient and, being polyethylene, no standard adhesive will adhere to it.]
I hope these instructions are useful. Any constructive comments or suggestions would be welcomed.
This page uses the optional Paddington font.
The CG plans holder was rendered in good old Ray Dream Studio.