With this “Caliper Board” close to your lathe, you’ll be able to quickly and accurately set distances on both inside and outside calipers. The one shown below measures 1/4″ increments, starting at 1/2″ and continuing through 21?4″, but the board can be customized to your needs. The outside caliper distances are taken directly from the measuring blocks. Each block is cut to exact length from 3/8″ by 3/8″ stock, then glued to the plywood backboard as shown. To avoid any cross-grain movement problems, be sure to use some sturdy plywood for the backboard. Once all the measuring blocks are added, the stop, also made from 3/8″ x 3/8″ stock, is glued to the right-hand side, as shown. By making the “A” dimensions the same (in this case 1/2″), you can use the board to take measurements with the inside calipers. To complete the caliper board, mark each dimension (use waterproof ink) on the measuring blocks and the stop, then finish with a couple of coats of varnish. Ours is mounted to a wall right next to the lathe.
