The threaded piece is the primary measuring device. The rectangular nut is the measuring nut and the hex nut is the locking nut. Here is how to use it.
There is a small hole in one end of the threaded rod. This hole is where the extensions attach to the threaded rod. Rotate the rectangular nut down to the end of the threaded rod until it is flush with the end with the small hole and the notch on one side of the rectangular nut is oriented on the same side as the raised threads that are 1/2"apart. You have now zeroed the tool. If you rotate the rectangular nut 8 turns toward the opposite end of the threaded rod, you should end up with the edge of the rectangular nut that was flush with the end of the rod, now flush with the first raised 1/2" raised thread. The tool now measures 1/2" fron the end of the rod with the hole in it to the edge of the rectangular measuring nut. Hence, when this edge of the measuring nut is flush with a raised mark, you have a particular measurement in 1/2" increments. For every full turn of the rectangular measuring nut, you have changed the measurement 1/16". For every half turn of the measuring nut, you change the measurement by 1/132". For every quarter turn of the measuring nut, you change the measurement by 1/64". If for instance you need a measurement of 1 1/4", start by rotating the rectangular measuring nut so that the edge closest to the end of the rod with the hole is flush with the second raised thread fron the end of the rod with the hole, and the notch on the measuring nut is oriented on the same side of the tool as the raised threads. Now, rotate the measuring nut 4 full turns further away from the end of the rod with the hole and make sure the notch is on the same side of the tool as the raised threads. There is now 1 1/4" from the end of the threaded rod with the hole to the edge of the rectangular measuring nut. You can measure up to six inches with the threaded rod alone. This is from the end of the rod with the hole to the closest edge of the measuring nut. If you need to measure 6 inches to 12 inches, simply install the 6 inch extension. You can add extensions as needed to measure up to 42 inches with what you have there. So far, I have been talking about measurements from the end with the hole to the closest edge of the measuring nut. This is how you would use it for outside measurements, like across the outside of a box, or from one end of a boart to a given length. For inside measurements, like inside of a box, you measure from the end of the rod with the hole to the far side of the measuring nut. The measuring nut is 1/4" thick and you willl need to remember this with some operations. Just remember that the raised threads are 1/2" marks and that every full turn of the measuring nut is 1/16". When you get the measuring nut where you want it, you can tighten the hex shaped nut against it to hold the measurement nut from turning and changing the measurement. Like most things, there is a bit of a learning curve with it. Just use it a bit and get used to how it operates. You will find that it is very accurate. It is by far the best overall measuring tool for use by the blind. By the way, the Clickrule works on the same principle as the rotomatic, but uses a sliding device instead of a rotating nut, and it has a detent that lightly holds the tool every 1/16". The clickrule won't lie as flat on the workpiece as the Rotomatic and does not have it's 1/64" accuracy. They both have their plusses and minuses. I use them both, depending on the particular task at hand. If you have any other specific questions about how to use the Rotomatic, just ask. Good luck. ----- Original Message ----- From: Scott Howell To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 5:00 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] quesion on Rotomatic ruler Ok folks, I ordered my Rotomatic and received it today. Ain't quite what I imagined and upon further thought, I haven't any clue how the hell you use this thing. So, here goes my question . First let me describe what I have to be sure we're all on the same page. I have a piece about six inches long, it is sort of oval shaped, in other words, its flat on both sides and is rounded on the edges so the nuts will turn. The top surface has marking at every half inch I believe this is the correct measurement,b ut in any case, we'll move along. There are two nuts, one that is completely square and the other is a six or eight-sided deal. Included are three rods that are different lengths, one six inch, one approx 12 inches, and one that appears to be about 18 inches. Sorry, I haven't even had a chance to measure the pieces, but for our purposes, this will explain things. Now each rod which is round can be screwed together and the six-inch piece I said had the nuts is also able to be attached to the rods. Now I assume that the square nut might be the locking nut, but don't hold me to this. Now, with that description, how do you actually use this thing. The folks at the NFB store where I found the item were not much help, but I guess they sell the stuff, not use it. So, perhaps someone can explain this thing to me before I decide to pack it up and send it on back up the road. Might be a great tool, but based on what I thought, I surely have no clue how you'd use it. Thanks for any assistance. Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. 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