Subject: DIY Gage
Content: I got this idea from a StopMotionWorks article. Although gages are often available on eBay, people with little money or kids with technophobic parents might be unable to purchase a gage online. You can just make your own. Get a block of wood and put some screws in it, being careful that they do not penetrate the bottom (so it can lay flat). Short screws with flat (pan?) heads will hold the wire better than the cone shaped wood screws. Now wrap the end of a piece of twisted aluminum wire around the screws to anchor it. Tighten the screws. You might want to weight the gage so it won’t move if you bump it. I taped on lead fishing weights for this purpose. To reduce springiness you can put clay around the base or wrap the wire in electrical tape. Pic==> http://www.stopmotionmagic.com/gallery/view/id_834/ You can make a soldering helping hand the same way. Just put an alligator clip (Lowes) on the end of the wire and clamp the wood to your table.
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