Self centering scribe

**rgsparber** · Apr 3, 2014, 02:48 PM

This tool lets you scribe the centerline between parallel sides of a workpiece without any measuring. It is a two step process but works on short workpieces.

http://rick.sparber.org/aacs.pdf

Rick

**DIYer** · Apr 3, 2014, 04:57 PM

Great work as usual, Mr. Sparber! And I admire your efforts to ensure that your contributions aren't taken over by some sleazy patent troll.

**rgsparber** · Apr 3, 2014, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by DIYer

Great work as usual, Mr. Sparber! And I admire your efforts to ensure that your contributions aren't taken over by some sleazy patent troll.

Actually, it would be fun to watch the drama if someone tried to patent one of my ideas. More than likely they could pay the $$ and get a patent. But the first time they tried to defend it, the infringing party could show my "prior art" and their patent would be disallowed. So my "defensive publishing" poisons the well. And, by the way, call me Rick :-)

**PTSchram** · Mar 23, 2018, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by rgsparber

Actually, it would be fun to watch the drama if someone tried to patent one of my ideas. More than likely they could pay the $$ and get a patent. But the first time they tried to defend it, the infringing party could show my "prior art" and their patent would be disallowed. So my "defensive publishing" poisons the well. And, by the way, call me Rick :-)

It is typically referred to as "Public Disclosure", but I do admit that I am not at all familiar with how this is being handled in the present, Internetz age. In the old days, I'd mail registered letters to my IP attorney with a note written on the envelope not to open until notified as it contained IP and I was preserving my claim by virtue of the contents.

In this case, it would be difficult to obtain a patent as it is a reinterpretation, or perhaps unique application of present art.

I have had a similar tool for nearly 30 years used for finding the centerline of the elevated rib on a shotgun barrel to permit one to center punch the very center of the rib for adding sight beads.

Nonetheless, yeah, I'll be making one of these, and I'm also seeing an opportunity for applying this to the concepts of the Fibonacci calipers I have. Thank you for the inspiration, "Let my inspiration flow" indeed!

**kbalch** · Apr 4, 2014, 10:27 AM

Thanks Rick! I've added your Self-Centering Scribe to our Measuring and Marking category, as well as to your builder page: Rick Sparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Self-Centering Scribe by Rick Sparber

tags: scribe

**Altair** · Aug 21, 2014, 04:56 AM

Well designed Rick. I'm so making this! As always, thanks for sharing your ideas.

**rgsparber** · Aug 21, 2014, 07:33 AM

This tool has stood the test of time in my shop. I have two sizes so can go from 1/2" up to 6".

May you improve on the design!

Rick

**Altair** · Aug 22, 2014, 04:28 AM

Been thinking about adding bearings to the pins. Thanks Rick.

**rgsparber** · Aug 22, 2014, 08:25 AM

Replacing the guide pins with bearings would be a nice improvement. Just remember that if you change any of the pin diameters, they must all change and be of equal size.

Rick