Any folks using Joe B's alignment tools? I have an existing cast iron surface plate that I'm looking to get some more functionality out of. Anyone able to comment on their quality, accuracy or ease of use?
Any folks using Joe B's alignment tools? I have an existing cast iron surface plate that I'm looking to get some more functionality out of. Anyone able to comment on their quality, accuracy or ease of use?
They are no frills, well made and work as described. High value tools. I picked up the "suite" of tools to go with a locally sourced table and am quite happy with them. Stuff will likely get modified over time, but they do what they need to out of the box.
What about the junior alignment system, the one made from 8" or10" channel? Anyone have one?
Eric Doswell, aka Edoz
Summoner of Crickets
http://edozbicycles.wordpress.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edozbicycles/
In Before the Lock
i've used the channel alignment tool. works like a table--just smaller.
i'm pretty sure steve garro's main table is of joe b. origin. he'll check in i'm sure.
spoke with mr. bringheli just today i did.
Joe's channel system and full table use the same parts save the actual surface. If you are only doing the occasional frame or are space tight its a good system. In a past life I finished my time on a table that required frame rotation- I'm a full sized guy now (but I also have the room for an 800 lb steel table).
I have one and it does exactly what it is supposed to do. Having to move the frame to take all the measurements isn't quite as accurate and efficient as with a full size table. That said, it is plenty accurate for my newbie needs. It was definitely worth the $$. If I had the space and was making frames more often I would get a full size table though.
-Jason
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I borrow one at a buddy's house and it works great for me. I did break the handles on it though the other day. They are cheap Phenolic handles and are 1/2-13 thread. He's getting some new 7075 handles as soon as someone drills the 27/64" holes for me.
I do prefer to use a dial indicator on it over a scratcher though.
You broke the handles on the BB tower? In use?
I broke one of mine. It fell on the floor, and that was it. I was twiddling it loose with one hand while holding the frame with the other.
Yep, that's exactly what happened to me. One was already broken and I broke the other one.
FYI, here is the replacement part from MSC (I think, haven't bought one 'cause I'm replacing them with 7075):
MSC Item Detail
Got it- I thought you meant you broke them in use (was trying to wrap my head around that).
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