Adjustable Measuring Rods + Circular Scribe

thingiverse

Measuring rods with selectable ends for inside/outside measurements. Rods are threaded so they can be strung together to any length, as well as attach any of the optional tips. Also includes components for drawing circles. Pretty much everything is exposed as customizable parameters so you can tweak without scripting. There are more parts/options than attached here. Threading can be male/female selected everywhere. Can generate a combo rod/clamping block (last two items) I saw something like this being offered for an insane amount of money, so I modelled it. Threading based on [Nut Job](/thing:193647) by [mike_mattala](/mike_mattala/designs) ###Printing and Assembly ####Print * two clamping blocks * two end rods * zero or more non-end rods of any length you may wish to use for extending the measurable distance * one inset screw - *note: you may wish to adjust the "drive diameter" when generating the inset screw* * top and bottom bolts * optionally, any of the tips: pointed, blunt, thing, outer (see first pic) ####Assemble Note that the clamping block has room for two rods to slide through it, stacked vertically. 1. Inset Screw, Lower Rod Put an end rod into a clamping block in the bottom of the hole, line up the threaded hole in the side of the end rod with the threaded hole in the bottom of the clamping block. The hole in the bottom of the block is off centre - ensure the rod exits through the longer side. Drive the inset screw through both block and rod to hold rod in place. (This allows the clamping block to sit squarely on the table without interference from and rod holding device.) 2. Bottom Bolt, Upper Rod The bottom bolt is meant to be driven through the top of the clamping block, through the side threading of a end bar in the upper position of the block hole, and when the final measurement is taken, driven down to hold the sliding lower bar in place. 3. Combine With both an upper and lower rod now attached to separate clamping blocks, you can slide the rods through the alternate block and bring everything together. The block with the inset screw in the bottom can now be fitted with the top bolt to hold the top bar in place after measuring. The first photo shows the result, using the pointed tips. - If using the "combined" parts, modify steps accordingly #### Scribe Print two pencil holders and any length and sequence of non-end rods, combine rods as long as desired, use top bolts to hold them in place. Note the second photo shows the scribe with the pointed tip component screwed into the bottom on one side. Not sure how well it would hold its position, but it is an option. Alternately, use the pencil hole to hold a sharp pointed object. The "top bolt" holds pencil or other objects in place. ###Update New v2 scad file fixes some issues and includes an animation of usage (see animated gif attached). ###Notes *You may want to dial in threading options to ensure things fit properly before printing a bunch of parts.* You should also consider ramping up the infill and/or going with something stronger than PLA. Clamping pressure can cause problems otherwise.