Shop-Made Beam Compass

Aluminum and figured wood come together in this practical layout tool you can build in a weekend.

When it comes to laying out large arcs and circles for a project, nothing beats a beam compass. The beauty of this tool is you’re not limited by the distance between points as you would be with a standard compass. For larger circles, you just use a longer beam. For the beam compass shown here, anodized aluminum gives it a unique look and durability. And wood veneer adds the look and feel of an heirloom tool. After spending a little time in the shop, you’ll have a handy tool you’ll reach for often.

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What You Get:

  • 5 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
  • 27 full-color photos, illustrations and exploded views
  • Shop-tested tips and techniques
  • Cutting diagram
  • Retail sources for hardware and supplies

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