Caliper Display Stand

I love rock collecting. I can't go on a hike without picking up a crindoid or some cool looking igneous shard. 

That means I have jars and jars of rocks all around my house, with the best of the best residing on my fireplace mantle. 

But even in the place of honor they don't stand out much. Caliper Display Stands are a great way to raise up rocks, fossils, or other collectable to be seen in better glory. 

Unfortunately, caliper display stands tend to run $20-50 a piece. This instructable will show you how to make your own with enough materials to make 2 for about $10 each. 

Materials (Makes 2)

(1) 1/4"x12" Brass Strip https://www.mcmaster.com/8859K311/

(6) 6-32 x 1-1/2" Threaded Rod https://www.mcmaster.com/93025A563/

(12) 6-32 Brass Flanged Knurled-Head Thumb Nut https://www.mcmaster.com/92741A110/

(4) 3/8" Felt Pad Circles https://www.amazon.com/SoftTouch-4709595N-Stick-Round-Bumper/dp/B07JCJMP21?th=1

Wood block or board

Tools

6-32 NC Tap with Handle

#36" Drill Bit

Drill

Coping Saw

Adjustable Clamp

3-1/2" diameter Pipe section or other hard round object (I had a Barbell Collar that was just the right size)

Hammer & Pin Punch or Nail

Gloves and Eye protection are recommended

1. Cut the brass strip into two 6" pieces

1. Place one end of the brass strip against the pipe and clamp, covering about 1/2"
2. Carefully put pressure on the free end of the brass strip and form around the pipe (I didn't wear gloves, but they are recommended as good safety practice)
3. After the initial bend, unclamp and reclamp the opposite end of the brass strip.
4. Continue forming the strip around the pipe. It helps to roll the pipe and strip against a hard, flat surface

1. Drill a hole 1/4" from each end. I recommend putting a dimple in the strip to keep the drill bit on target. Using a pin punch, gently tap the head with a hammer until a dimple forms. The brass is soft enough that a nail could be used if you don't have a pin punch. 
2.  Drill a third hole for the base support. This can be located depending on how you want you object to be tilted for display. 20-45 degrees seems to work well.
3. Carefully tap each hole. Make sure to go slow keep the tap as straight as possible

1. Screw a threaded rod into each hole and add thumb nuts. A drop of loctite on the end nuts will help hold them in place, but it's not required
2. Place felt circles on the end nuts

1. For the base, cut a wood block or a board that will be sturdy enough to hold the caliper and the display object. My bases are 3"x1"x3/4" and 2"x1"x1" (LxWxH) and are made of poplar and walnut. 
2. Drill & Tap the wood base and screw on to the base rod on the caliper

The Caliper Stand is pretty much done, but here are some extra options to take it to the next level:

• Stain or wax the wood base
• Add felt circles to the bottom of base
• Add nameplate/placard to identify display object 

Place object in between caliper screws, tighten, and admire!