just curious what you guys use for calipers to measure the thickness? i just shaped my first and had limited tools so i used a pair of my dads from machining, the problem is they arent very deep so i couldnt measure the center. Are the foam ez ones the bext or what else you guys using? I’ld like to be more prepared for my next board. also, i set them to the thickness of the board and then had to measure the openening of the calipers with a ruler, is there a better method? thanks, Scott
I just ran into the same issue and I ended up making my own with some scrap lumber and some inexpensive hardware. I took the pic from FoamEZ and enlarged it to fit on an 8.5x11 piece of paper. Used that to trace the general shape on some 3/4" plywood scrap (making it larger so it’d fit at least 12" to get to the stringer.) Used a jigsaw to cut out each arm and a router to clear out space where they’d hinge so they’d fit together flat. Drilled a hole through and added a countersunk flathead screw and a wingnut. Seem to work fine and they didn’t cost $30. I really like the ones from Pleskunas, but can’t see payint $95. Might make some more with better quality wood and seal them, but what I have works fine for now. And like you I get the gap and use a ruler to measure. HTH.
You really must have calipers that reach the center of the board - necessary and critical for thicknessing rocker down center striner. The one available at Foam EZ is fine and reasonably priced. It’s really easy and cheap to make your own using masonite or 1/4" ply. Just cut out two matching profiles, sand smooth, drill a hole, and attach bolt,a few washers and nut (tighten to taste). If you don’t want to use the traditional old-school method of measuring with a tape, look up Paul Jensen Surfboards (Hollowsurfboards.com) and take a look at the style he sells (makes?) for about $75. I made a caliper along that style with sliding brass guide, ball bearing slide, rosewood, koa, baltic birch ply, stainless rule…big time over-kill and decadent, but tools are my thing and I get enjoyment from using handmade tools. Do your thing - choose your style, method, and budget. Enjoy the ride!
I made some out of masonite and they work great. I have a wooden 1/8" thick kids ruler attached to my light box directly under my clipboard. Easy, measure, turn around, check it on the ruler, look at the clipboard/write and keep on shapin’. Mine are 12" opening to be able to reach the stringer up to a 22" wide board. Krokus
I just found these, aluminum is nice… http://dealtime.catalogcity.com/cc.class/cc?pcd=6160149&ccsyn=48
Standard engineers calipers such as the aluminum above wouldn’t be my first choice: A. No matter how careful, you’ll get gouges in your board from the sharp tips. B. They come to a “V” where joined which limits depth reach. I would advise you to make your own simple ones, use em on your next board, and by the time you’ve finished you’ll either be satisfied or you’ll know what you really want from then on. Enjoy the ride!
Hit the link below… Drop down to Calipers… They work very nicely…Smooth & accurate… I’m gonna make a few sets soon… Let me know if you want a set… $75.00… http://www.hollowsurfboards.com/tools.htm 
It is a sad commentary on the status of craftsmanship when someone cannot figure out how to make a pair of calipers.
thanks for the info, i will be making my own most likely, its a pretty simple design, i was just curious as to what others use since i’m just starting
Mine are two scrap pieces of masonite screwed together on one end with enough room to reach the stringer. And, I mean scraps. The two sides don’t match,but they meet at the end. I laugh when I use them. They’re accurate though. I promised my wife no more boards for now. Maybe time to make a nice pair.
I think he’s just asking advice as a novice shaper. The assistance I receive from this forum in answer to my often basic questions (ok,dumb at times) serves to encourage me to strive for perfection and become an even better craftsman.
man this guy is friggin amazing… there should be a show on the TV showing you unreal skills…go home norm abrem