Keyway Keys

joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 1:13 pm

Has any one used Keyway Keys for measuring? I get emails from Fine Woodworking and this was in today's.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/SkillsAn ... x?id=32939

deekay · Post by **deekay** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 1:26 pm

Thanks for the link, that is a very simple and effective (not to mention cheap) method of accurately measuring all sorts of things around the shop.

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 1:42 pm

Cool video but why does everyone with the last name of Dyke have Van as their middle name?:D

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 1:53 pm

I have been using these to set up my router table for years and, like he said in the video, the more you use them the more you find to use them on.

tom_k/mo · Post by **tom_k/mo** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:22 pm

Great tip. Thanks.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 4:49 pm

I use a set of brass guages much the same way. The guys on the Router Workshop Show always use them and I have found them really handy. Using brass instead of steel prevents them from damaging blades and cutting edges should the two ever mix
I got mine at Woodcraft but I know oak-park.com also carry them.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 5:21 pm

Thanks for the post, Joe!:D

I also use a set of brass gauge bars. Got them locally at Lowes!

I'll say again, blocks/bars and story sticks are truly the most accurate measuring devices available. This is because feeling with finger tips is much more accurate than eyesight. An example is using fingers to set the iron in a hand plane rather than eyes.

Because, I must stack those brass bars together to achieve some measurements, I will now go hunting for some keyway keys. The many sizes available will be helpful.

Ed is right on - steel bars are not kind to blades. Keep the brass bar next to a blade!

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:32 pm

My key way bar set goes from 1/8" to 3/4" in 16ths. They are as invaluable as my aluminum "Story sticks". I don't think I've used a tape or ruler around the router table since I got those key way bars.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:19 am

I keep saying "never measure if you can superimpose". This is just another way to superimpose. Like someone else here I learned about the brass key stock method from the Router Workshop guys.

wlhayesmfs · Post by **wlhayesmfs** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:19 pm

I wonder how many of us learned that from father and son. Farmer, just how many of them fine adjustment tools the Dad used do you have lying around. Remember some of us have seen pictures of you old shop.
I wish I could still find them on TV now just the site and email tips.

Shopsmith Forums

Keyway Keys

Keyway Keys

Bob Van Dyke video

Good tip!