OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

265870 Albert Treadwell 2018‑05‑18 Re: OldTools Digest, Vol 153, Issue 10
I use mine all the time, especially for inside measure as others have noted.

I also rescue them whenever I find them in penance for breaking my father's.

They are irresistible to little boys.

Albert
 

    On Friday, May 18, 2018, 4:01:42 PM EDT, oldtools-request@s...  wrote:
 
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Today's Topics:

  1. Re: Use of zig zag rules (CheekyGeek)
  2. Re: Use of zig zag rules (curt seeliger)
  3. Re: Use of zig zag rules (John Ruth)
  4. Re: Use of zig zag rules (CheekyGeek)
  5. Re: Use of zig zag rules (Kermit Perlmutter)
  6. Re: Use of zig zag rules (Dragon List)
  7. Re: Use of zig zag rules,    now reuse of old framing square
      legs (Erik Levin)
  8. Re: Use of zig zag rules (Bruce Zenge)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 15:15:13 -0500
From: CheekyGeek 
To: Ken Shepard 
Cc: Old Tools List 
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules
Message-ID:
    
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

I agree with Ken, but we have to remember that there are Zig-Zag rules with
and without the Narrow brass 6? slide-out rule. It is those with THAT
feature that I find particularly useful. I've got a Stanley Sweetheart
aluminum one around somewhere that lacks that feature.

The other thing I have not seen mentioned yet, is that the longer ones were
supposed to allow you to measure something out away from you, where a metal
tape measure would break and drop.
This may be less true with some rules today (YMMV).

I seem to also recall seeing my dad use one as a square (folding it into a
right triangle). Not sure if I'm remembering that properly or how he did
it. By my calculations, a right triangle with a 4:5:6 ratio doesn't
translate to a 6' folding rule.
Seems like there was a book totally on Folding or Zig Zag rules out there
by Astragal Press, but I have no idea if they are still around or what the
title might have been.

Darren Addy
Kearney, NE

On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 2:23 PM, Ken Shepard  wrote:

> I find zigzags really useful because you can take a measurement and
> transfer directly to the piece to be cut without having to remember the
> actual dimension - a considerable advantage considering my memory.  Also,
> they are much better for inside measurements than a tape which makes them
> particularly good for trim work.  My favorite is a Starrett with the
> extension.
>
> Ken
>
> On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 12:27 AM Chuck Taylor via OldTools <
> oldtools@s...> wrote:
>
> > Esteemed Gentle Galoots,
> >
> > Bill Webber's thread about zig zag rules raised a question for me:  Does
> > anybody actually use a zig zag rule? For what application?
> >
> > I have several zig zag rules but most times find myself reaching for a
> > tape measure instead. Or a 2-foot folding rule.
> >
> > Chuck Taylor
> > north of Seattle
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> > aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> > value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> > traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
> >
> > To change your subscription options:
> > https://oldtools.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
> >
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> >
> > OldTools archive: https://swingleydev.com/ot/
> >
> > OldTools@s...
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
> https://oldtools.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
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>



-- 

?*The Earth is Art, The Photographer is only a Witness*?
            ? Yann Arthus-Bertrand, *Earth from Above*

*- - -*

*PS... I'm always looking for darkroom equipment & supplies, old or new-ish.*


------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 13:19:53 -0700
From: curt seeliger 
To: Darren Addy 
Cc: Ken Shepard , OldTools List
    
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules
Message-ID:
    
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

 GeekyCheeks wrote:
> I seem to also recall seeing my dad use one as a square (folding it into a
> right triangle). Not sure if I'm remembering that properly or how he did
> it. By my calculations, a right triangle with a 4:5:6 ratio doesn't
> translate to a 6' folding rule.

It translates just fine if the segments are 4.8 inches long, but that won't
get you your right angle. You might be thinking of a 3:4:5 triangle, which
gives you that right angle AND fits on a 6 foot rule with 6 inch segments.


------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 20:24:10 +0000
From: John Ruth 
To: Kermit Perlmutter , Old Tools List
    
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules
Message-ID:

    
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

GG's:


1) Astragal Press is definitely still around, now a division of Chester Book Co.
but still reachable at their old URL www.astragalpress.com">www.astragalpress.com<http://www.astragalpress.com">http://www.astragalpress.com>.  I just
received their latest catalog in the mail (No relationship except as a
completely satisfied customer.)


2) Kermit's mention of cutting up a bent, distorted, or otherwise undesirable
framing square into a "hook rule" is the "gem of the day" on this Porch. What a
great idea!  Thank you for that idea, Kermit!


I have two handy straight edges that a previous owner made by cutting a framing
square.  Maybe I should weld hooks to them, then file them straight again.


John Ruth

________________________________
From: OldTools  on behalf of Kermit Perlmutter

Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2018 3:59:06 PM
To: Old Tools List
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules

This reminded me of a great use for out of square or surplus steel framing
squares I learned from a smith. He would cut one leg away leaving just a bit of
a hook to use when measuring hot stuff. Super handy re-use.






> I just finished part 2 of a 3 part blacksmithing class, and the instructor
> uses a Lufkin aluminum zig-zag rule, because he is constantly measuring hot
> metal and a tape measure would scorch  and/or burn. As he reminds us
> everytime someone gets burned, "assume everything is hot in a blacksmiths
> shop".
>
> I do use my grandpa's Lufkin X46X (the one with extensions on each end)
> quite a bit, especially when measuring depth or inside dimensions.
>
> Gary Maze
>
> currently building a forge in the backyard in prep for the next blacksmith
> class
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.

To change your subscription options:
https://oldtools.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools

To read the FAQ:
https://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html

OldTools archive: https://swingleydev.com/ot/

OldTools@s...


------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 16:12:23 -0500
From: CheekyGeek 
To: curt seeliger , porch
    
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules
Message-ID:
    
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

DOH!
And I got an "A" in Geometry too, but it was (too) many moons ago.
:)

On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 3:19 PM, curt seeliger  wrote:

> GeekyCheeks wrote:
> > I seem to also recall seeing my dad use one as a square (folding it into
> a
> > right triangle). Not sure if I'm remembering that properly or how he did
> > it. By my calculations, a right triangle with a 4:5:6 ratio doesn't
> > translate to a 6' folding rule.
>
> It translates just fine if the segments are 4.8 inches long, but that
> won't get you your right angle. You might be thinking of a 3:4:5 triangle,
> which gives you that right angle AND fits on a 6 foot rule with 6 inch
> segments.
>
>


-- 

?*The Earth is Art, The Photographer is only a Witness*?
            ? Yann Arthus-Bertrand, *Earth from Above*

*- - -*

*PS... I'm always looking for darkroom equipment & supplies, old or new-ish.*


------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 15:48:22 -0700
From: Kermit Perlmutter 
To: Old Tools List 
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules
Message-ID: <728199EE-9238-4773-9D7B-EE38DA7184DF@k...>
Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=utf-8

Got to give that thanks to James Austin not me. Great guy and a great smith. You
can take a look at his work at http://forgedaxes.com.">http://forgedaxes.com. He just started a study
on Norwegian carpenter?s axes which may be of interest to some porch members (
see http://forgedaxes.com/?page_id=
152)

> On May 17, 2018, at 1:24 PM, John Ruth  wrote:
> 
> GG's:
> 
> 1) Astragal Press is definitely still around, now a division of Chester Book
Co. but still reachable at their old URL www.astragalpress.com">www.astragalpress.com <http://www.astragalpress.com/">http://www.astragalpress.com/>.  I just
received their latest catalog in the mail (No relationship except as a
completely satisfied customer.)
> 
> 2) Kermit's mention of cutting up a bent, distorted, or otherwise undesirable
framing square into a "hook rule" is the "gem of the day" on this Porch. What a
great idea!  Thank you for that idea, Kermit!
> 
> I have two handy straight edges that a previous owner made by cutting a
framing square.  Maybe I should weld hooks to them, then file them straight
again.
> 
> John Ruth 
> From: OldTools  on behalf of Kermit Perlmutter

> Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2018 3:59:06 PM
> To: Old Tools List
> Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules
>  
> This reminded me of a great use for out of square or surplus steel framing
squares I learned from a smith. He would cut one leg away leaving just a bit of
a hook to use when measuring hot stuff. Super handy re-use.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > I just finished part 2 of a 3 part blacksmithing class, and the instructor
> > uses a Lufkin aluminum zig-zag rule, because he is constantly measuring hot
> > metal and a tape measure would scorch  and/or burn. As he reminds us
> > everytime someone gets burned, "assume everything is hot in a blacksmiths
> > shop".
> > 
> > I do use my grandpa's Lufkin X46X (the one with extensions on each end)
> > quite a bit, especially when measuring depth or inside dimensions.
> > 
> > Gary Maze
> > 
> > currently building a forge in the backyard in prep for the next blacksmith
> > class
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
> 
> To change your subscription options:
> https://o
ldtools.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools <https://oldtools
.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools">https://oldtools.swingleydev.com/mai
lman/listinfo/oldtools>
> 
> To read the FAQ:
> https://swingleydev.com/arc
hive/faq.html <https://sw
ingleydev.com/archive/faq.html>
> 
> OldTools archive: https://swingleydev.com/ot/ <https://swingleydev.com/ot/>
> 
> OldTools@s... 


------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 16:19:37 -0700
From: Dragon List 
To: Kermit Perlmutter 
Cc: Old Tools List 
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules
Message-ID:
    
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

jim *is* a great guy, and makes killer mead, too.  as well done as his axes
and his other forgings (i love the way he does his norse anvils).

kermit, where are you located?

best,
bill
felton, ca

On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 3:48 PM, Kermit Perlmutter 
wrote:

> Got to give that thanks to James Austin not me. Great guy and a great
> smith. You can take a look at his work at http://forgedaxes.com. He just
> started a study on Norwegian carpenter?s axes which may be of interest to
> some porch members ( see http://forgedaxes.com/?page_id=152)
>


------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 23:46:22 +0000 (UTC)
From: Erik Levin 
To: Porch 
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules,    now reuse of old framing
    square legs
Message-ID: <1089419880.2539473.1526600782226@m...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

John wrote:



>Kermit's mention of cutting up a bent, distorted, or otherwise undesirable
>framing square into a "hook rule" is the "gem of the day" on this Porch. What a
>great idea!  Thank you for that idea, Kermit!


>I have two handy straight edges that a previous owner made by cutting a framing
>square.  Maybe I should weld hooks to them, then file them straight again.
Thanks for reminding me of this before I go back in the field at the beginning
of july. I am down to one custom slim hook rule. I make them from slim rules by
welding on tabs from other damages rules. This is less bulky than standard hook
rules and will fit into a narrow slot, like a tight weld fitup or between flange
faces before bringing the bolts up snug. I tend to lose them to other engineers
on job sites once they see the utility. Now, where did I put the fixture the
last time I made a bunch???


I need to add an 18 and a 24" from the damaged framing square
collection^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^Hrenewal stock. And maybe a 12". I must have a few
spare 12" flexible 16R graduated rules.


*** This message was sent from a convenience email service, and the reply
address(es) may not match the originating address

------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 21:04:52 -0500
From: Bruce Zenge 
To: Chuck Taylor 
Cc: OldTools List 
Subject: Re: [OldTools] Use of zig zag rules
Message-ID:
    
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

I don't anymore due to not doing any woodwork.  But when I was able
to, the zig zag rules were not only useful, but repeatedly more
accurate.  So, yes, I definitely did use my zig zag rules.

Bruce Z.
Des Moines, IA

On Wed, May 16, 2018 at 11:27 PM, Chuck Taylor via OldTools
 wrote:

> Bill Webber's thread about zig zag rules raised a question for me:  Does
anybody actually use a zig zag rule? For what application?
>

> Chuck Taylor
> north of Seattle


------------------------------

Subject: Digest Footer

------------------------------------------------------------------------
OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of handtool
aficionados, both users and collectors, to discuss the usage, history,
value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.

To change your subscription options:
https://oldtools.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools

To read the FAQ, go to:
https://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html

OldTools Archive: https://swingleydev.com/ot/

OldTools@s...


------------------------------

End of OldTools Digest, Vol 153, Issue 10
*****************************************

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