Pocket size layout guide for holes.

[aametalmaster]

I do lots of hole layout at work in steel pipes and i can remember the holes sizes but i can't set my dividers from memory. So i like everyone else hold my dividers up to a tape measure or use a rule to set them. Then i made this aluminum plate with a center and the rest of the hole sizes layed out in a semi circle. So now i just stick one leg of the dividers in the center punch mark and the other leg in the size i want. Simple enough. Sure knocked off a bunch of time when you have to layout 25 holes all different sizes. I even have room for sizes i might run across sometime Standard size fittings on the right and 3000# fittings on the left...Bob

[stevec]

Interesting Bob but for the life of me I can't see a relation to steel pipes, could you elucidate?

[aametalmaster]

(08-18-2012, 03:24 PM)stevec Wrote: Interesting Bob but for the life of me I can't see a relation to steel pipes, could you elucidate?

No problem. Here is one tank that i make. It has pipe couplings welded in the sides for pipe hookups and thus the guide to layout the hole for the fittings...Bob

[DaveH]

Bob,
Now I see also Quite a handy setting gauge.
I can never find a tape or a rule when I want one

DaveH

[f350ca]

Neat jig. What do you use for a compass Bob? Doesn't a regular set of dividers lay out the circle wrong as you come down the curve of the pipe.

[stevec]

Thanks Bob, now I see you're talking PIPES not just pipes.

[sasquatch]

Nice looking work Bob.

[aametalmaster]

(08-18-2012, 05:02 PM)f350ca Wrote: Neat jig. What do you use for a compass Bob? Doesn't a regular set of dividers lay out the circle wrong as you come down the curve of the pipe.

Yes it is wrong. Those last examples were the extreme of what i do. Usually with the 4" that are close together i tack the couplings to some sq tube with the centers i need. Lay the now tacked together part on the tube and trace it with a long piece of new soapstone. But normally the couplings are inline down the centerline of the pipe...Bob

[Mayhem]

Good idea Bob - now you just have to make sure it doesn't grow legs and walk!