82 - How to Make Golden Ratio Calipers Golden Mean FREE PLANS

82 - Golden Ratio Calipers
Here is a link to the free plans:
kingsfinewoodw...
These are a fantastic little tool to check and design projects in your shop to see if they fit the Golden Ratio, or Golden Mean.
This is a ratio that is found in nearly everything in the natural world from insects to plants and animals and even from DNA to the Milky Way galaxy.
As it turns out the ratio happens to be the most aesthetically pleasing set of dimensions there are. People naturally see the beauty quickly in shapes that meet these proportions.
I have a link below to a free set of plans to make your own. And I want to give a shout-out to my friend Colin Polzin from Australia, who was using a homemade set on a video a few weeks back. It gave me the idea to show everyone how to make their own and gave me a little chance to talk about the science & wonder of the story around it.
Colin is new to KZbin, but you can find his channel here.
/ @wycheproofworkshops1192
Things we used for this project:
Tools:
50-151 Belt with 5" Disc Sander, 1" x 30" amzn.to/3Z4oyKx
Grizzly Drill Press - amzn.to/3jki7n6
Hand Sanding Block - amzn.to/3Rnsx1F
Materials:
100 Sets Rivet Screws amzn.to/41w6laC
Watco Danish Oil Natural 1 Gl - 2 Pack - amzn.to/3jiupMN
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Link to the KFW Community Woodworking group. Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools: / kingsfinewoodworkingco...
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Purchase plans on our website: kingsfinewoodw...
Please like and share our videos. Thank You!
We love teaching the world to do woodworking.

[@Janiebrom]

I agree, your caliper design is very pretty and I very much appreciate you sharing your plans free of charge, thank you so much.

[@tigerking2179]

Out of all the explanations that I have watched or read yours is the best, easiest, and makes the most sense. Plus your calipers look the best, they are beautiful, a work of art. Thanks for the free plans.

[@judithmcreynolds8418]

Wow! A ratio common to DNA and galaxies illustrated in a KZbin video by a woodworking guy. James, you are one great teacher! Steve (Judy’s husband)

[@TheWoodStroker]

Excellent video. Understanding the Golden Ratio makes one appreciate that there is a 'higher authority' out there.

[@ricabel321]

Michael A. "higher authority out there" ??? Or, more likely the Golden Ratio demonstrates that nature and the cosmos simply follow natural laws and patterns. Where as some super duper-natural thingy might make things in a more "unique" manner. Something along the lines of (let's say) having water run UP HILL on Thursdays. Now that might prove something along the line you suggest.

[@TheWoodStroker]

@@ricabel321 Physics 101 grad out there

[@ricabel321]

OUCH !!!!!!! Apparently God sent his "Best" to smite me !

[@Magoover1]

I went to your website and ordered the plans. Quick and easy...no hassle. I definitely will be going back to your site to purchase other plans

[@augustschilz3336]

I'm a professional artist, hobbyist woodworker, got the free plans. Thank you!!! I'll be watching your videos.

[@bradymcphail9690]

Thank you for sharing this awesome tool! I’m going to make several for myself to use in all of my different styles of hobbies. I will make some from steel as well!

[@uptopmikep7065]

Great video. This is the best explanation of the the golden ratio I have seen & heard yet.

[@ButchShelton]

MOM! He's trying to make me learn stuff! This was excellent I can't wait to get home from work tomorrow to build a set of these. The explanation was spot on even a hillbilly like me could understand. Only problem is now I will look everywhere for the ratio. Thank you for this vid.

[@bassileira5525]

Awesome! You are a great person, I appreciate your explanations, your way of talking about this interesting topic and providing the printable plan. May you be blessed. 🙏🏻🍀

[@B_COOPER]

Not only is this tool handy, but it’s fun to hand it to people that don’t know what it is and to see their reaction to simply just watching it all pivot.

[@keithspencersr.6806]

I work as a CAD instructor and you have just educated me to something I never knew, thank you.

[@gbd3479]

Thanks for the free download.Will put this knowledge to good use.

[@CheaddakerT.Snodgrass]

Very cool. I knew this ratio existed but didn't know the details quite like you explained. It's amazing how the teacher can be the difference in life.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

You are very kind. Thank you!

[@Barnabus33]

So far your the first wood worker I've seen talk about this subject!!! I've got more respect for ya now that I know you are into learning the stuff they didnt teach us in school...its amazing how many lies you run into when you go looking for the true history of man isnt it?

[@darwinschierer8575]

Amazing. I never knew about this until now, but its usefulness is readily apparent. Thank you for this post.

[@glenngoodale1709]

I expect your videos every week, it's better than a movie, you learn a lot and it's very entertaining. Greetings from Florida

[@michaeldean-jackson8242]

Greetings from South Africa. Thank-you for making this plan gratis.

[@5x535]

Thank you for the plans. I will make a pair out of stainless and begin to incorporate them into my blacksmithing projects. Sometimes things just aren't "right" and this will help it flow, I'm certain.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi, that’s amazing!! I’d love to have a stainless steel set! Would you be interested in making an extra set and selling me one?

[@Kitaronas]

Thanks a lot for sharing it! Download was easy. Now lets make it!

[@dalescott3077]

James - Great Video. As an Engineer I have been for years fascinated with the Fibinachi sequence and how it applies to so much in our daily lives. I used a similar example with my kids when I was getting them to understand the importance of numbers and math in their day to day lives. Must have worked as my daughter is an accountant now. By the way my kids are 30 and 32 now so I guess I should not be calling them kids … God Bless to you and your family, love the content, keep up the great work.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks, Dale!

[@KenWarrior]

Dale Scott. Fibonacci please ! 😀

[@xenocrystal8952]

Thank you so much for the information and the template.

[@marrazzowoodworkingdiy8118]

I haven't used a set of these calipers but I am very familiar with the golden mean. As a beginning woodworker but experienced carpenter I think it's time I build a pair!!! Thanks for the help!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@waynemahler2015]

I had heard about the golden rule before explained by another famous wood worker. I was confused, this made it so simple to understand and use. Can not thank you enough. Keep up the great work.

[@wmtaylor6431]

The Guild of New Hampshire woodworkers GNHW.org has a subgroup of period furniture builders which I presently lead. At our first Fall 2018 meeting we had a brief discussion about the golden ratio. We were building a knife box/silverware box, most commonly built in the late 1700’s in the British Isles and which conformed to the golden ratio. Your explanation exceeded our brief discussion. Thank you! We will revisit this at our next meeting.

this is one of the best videos about golden ratio i have seen on youtube. would recommend it for every school in educational purposes. thanks for making it and sharing.

[@68shiloh]

This is something that will come in handy box making. I always watch and enjoy your video's. Good to see you and your family back.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Cool project. I used to teach a beginner woodworking class at woodcraft many years ago. On the first day of class we talked about design and I explained the golden ratio to them. I use it all the time in my designs.

[@abettermousetrap]

Thanks for the free download and great video. Keep up the good work

[@DancingFox6]

Thank you. This is exactly what I was hoping to find and more.

[@tonyioannoni4951]

WOW...so freaking nice, heard a couples of time about the golden ratio, and more often on nature perfect ratios and proportions for so many things, here you demystify something that should have been done in math in college!!! so if I sum it up, "B/A = A+B/B = 1.618" that is so brilliant on your part to share your knowledge with everybody....Thanks! I remember a program it was something like "The science of beauty", where they explained our eyes evaluates beauty in proportions and symmetry, in a fraction of a second, this explains the proportions!!! PS: It was a while we did not have a video from you....

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Tony! Thanks for watching! We do have a good number of videos lined up.

[@sharondenomme-adams4988]

Thank you for these plans. I am excited to use them. I enjoy hobby-sculpting and cannot find any in my area. I recently learned about golden ration means calipers from a recent book I've been studying on how to advance my sculpting techniques to a more professional level. Thank you for your contribution and I am a person who enjoys "paying it forward" and you will get the credit. 😀

[@grovesville]

I've heard of the golden ratio but have never seen the tool for duplicating it, thanks for my next project

[@mike8342-1a]

Thanks so muck for the free plan of this absolutely elegant tool 🙂 amazing how body proportions like the arm and the hand or the face follow this golden rule as well as a galaxy ?!? ... if I wouldn´t believe in God, it would be unbelievable ;)

[@BluebirdR]

THANK YOU FROM SA FOR THE CALIPER PLAN GIFT !

[@stewartmcmanus3991]

Thanks for that man, I will made them today.

[@jamiehorne1890]

Thanks for the free plans.... I am a metal worker, and have had to "to the math" for my golden ratios. This is gonna be a big help

[@xavierortega8747]

Thank you so much for the free download, I really like your craftsmanship and this calipers will be a good project to put my mind in to action. I send you my gratitude and blessings on your work.

[@dariushmilani6760]

Although I am aware of this number but your explanation was very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@w4shep]

What a fantastic set of calipers! Thank you for designing, building and sharing your knowledge and skills!! It is really appreciated by novices such as myself. I’m really looking forward to all of your upcoming videos too - got the notification bell all set to ding 🙂

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@BadBuilder]

I like how you talk to your audience. Good luck with your channel!! 😊

[@brettm1118]

You never cease to amaze me. I didn't know about the golden mean - super cool

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@MakeBrooklyn]

Great tool!! and a good design lesson thrown in too!

[@joeymerrell8585]

You never cease to amaze, James. I havent thought of this ratio since college.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@MrCpolzin]

Yahooooooo... You built a set and they are beautiful James.I run around a lot measuring everything too and they should be used in all design.Thank you so much for the shout out my brother,as you know I dearly miss wood working since my accident but I will be back in the shop very soon.Wonderful video packed with great information and so funny to see your girls having fun.Again what a top job,they look great mate.Bless you buddy,sending love to you all from Down Under xo

[@wycheproofworkshops1192]

And a massive Thank you from Wycheproof Workshops as well.. :)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks, buddy! Been following your projects. You are a mighty busy person.

[@wycheproofworkshops1192]

Says you lol.. Crazy days my friend,it is all happening. :D

[@ralfb8869]

Good to see you back, this something that I was never shown before and I know that it will come in handy, thanks for sharing

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you

[@ckookla]

Great video and project. Thanks!!

[@ludab5073]

Great explanation! Thank you

[@MJFacas]

The hardware is also known as Chicago screws or book binding posts. Posts are the nut portion. You can can them in closed or open (pass through) backs. If you bottom out on a closed you have to grind down the screw or get a shorter one. The screw are normal machine screws with 8-32 threading being the most common.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Yep. Commonly found in stores supplying rivets for leather craft, knife handles, etc.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Good to know, thank you!

[@emilylindstrom724]

Yep, was also going to say you can get fancy pretty ones at Tandy Leather

[@josephblazei1126]

AKA Sex Bolts

[@LiLi-or2gm]

We called them "sex bolts" back in the day.

[@imrekocsis4614]

Hello James glad to see you are back, was worried had not seen anything from your channel for several weeks. Thank you for the video and the free palns it is greatly appreciated regards from Port Elizabeth south Africa

[@moonolyth]

I did a SketchUp model of a set a long time ago just to have the dimension points. But I have never seen a set so nicely done, Very elegant.

[@robertmammone8521]

Great video. Glad you're back.

[@crus1n]

Brilliant, downloaded plans and this is my next project, thanks for the insight :)

[@armyofant924]

Awesome set of calipers! Thankyou for the free plans.

[@brentfowler2317]

Mind blown! Love to learn stuff like this. So thank you.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@daleknebel9382]

thank you for the plans

[@larrylund2682]

Sacred geometry is a really old concept. Nice to see awareness of this coming back. I might make a small one for jewelry application.

[@clydedecker765]

A couple of years ago, I saw some videos by some older gentleman in the northeast (Vermont I think) who employed the Golden rule to every design he made. He had a set of calipers for it but usually worked them out in his head. He would look at a space for something he wanted to build and broke it down into golden rule segments/spaces. Amazing furniture designs. Can't remember his name.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That's pretty cool!

[@franarodiamante1350]

THANKS FROM VENEZUELA, AN EXCELLENT VIDEO WELL EXPLAINED, AND WITH THE PLANS MANY THANKS GOD BLESS YOU

[@the_crafty_studio_official]

Woodworking AND Math lesson.....So cool! Well done! Good to see you back!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Scott! Thank you!

[@doreenwatson-read]

That was really interesting , I can never quite grasp this concept till now , I don't know how long I'll retain the information because I have to many pills but it was nice to have it explained so clearly .

[@jcsrst]

That was fascinating! I knew of the golden mean but never heard such a comprehensive explanation. Thank you!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks for watching!

[@cubesjdd]

This ratio ( .618 to 1 to 1.618) is used in speaker enclosure construction also. VERY important ratio... Thanks for the video.

[@jameswarner6105]

Great video and great lesson. Thanks for the free plan. BTW, the table saw sled from the plans I bought last summer turned out great.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@DavidBaumgarner]

Noticed on the first assembly you stacked the second short arm on top of the other short arm, making the caliper 3 pieces thick.... it went together differently on final assembly, and I think thats a better layout. If people are following along, I would recommend copying the final assembly.

[@vegetarianhunterable]

Excellent video

[@davidharvey5672]

Very interesting subject. Reminds me of my engineering days and something we call an involute curv which is used on the faces of gear teeth . Thanks

[@steelwood74]

More people should know about the Fibonacci Gauge. Well done

[@brownpaul476]

this would be interesting for blacksmithing as well

[@chrismoody1342]

I’m pretty good at applying this ratio by eye to a lot of furniture I build. Never knew there was a sacred ratio 1.618/1. Guess I need to do some measuring just to see how close I am following this. Thanks for the vid. Good to see the family is so involved with you builds. My daughter has expressed an interest in woodworking, guess I need to follow thru as you.

[@terrybollenbaugh7622]

Fascinating video James. Very cool.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@thepeaceforge]

Great and very interesting video! I do lots of sacred geometry themed metal work. Im gonna have a go at making this from steel. ✌🏼

[@jacklingerfelt400]

Make a set in sheet brass first. 😜

[@emilylindstrom724]

They taught us to use this in art school but never how or why or the cool math behind it. Thanks!

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT video James. I was facinated with the into. facts. Thank you and thanks for the plans, I am off to Rocker for some exotic wood to build one of these! !! !!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@LlywiRipper]

Thank you so much for this! Big Big Thanks!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

You’re welcome. Thank you for watching!!

[@Smex9680]

James, James, Your Golden, very well explained. I remember this from my high school days.

[@geraldmartin8195]

Thank you for this. Very clear and instructive. I encountered the Golden Ratio in art college many, many years ago. So I'm especially pleased to find a tool that I can use for reference.

[@gerritstijvers7690]

Wauw i just stumblet over your video, this is so nice. Im going to try this one and will subscribe. Thank you

[@huwdavies5264]

This video is brilliant. I had heard of the Golden Ratio but did not really know what it was. So well explained, thanks. Will be downloading the plans and making one of these. Cheers, Huw

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@johnwilliamson7081]

I am also a Leather Worker and in that arena they are called Chicago screws. Great video, thanks james

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Good to know, thanks!

[@GrahamOrm]

Fascinating. I did know about the golden ratio but not that it was so prolific. Have downloaded the drawing, thank you.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@oldgrumpy]

Thank you for the free plan. Very interesting video.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks for watching!

[@hwgunner2143]

very cool vid. I might try making one of those. I am SUPER excited to hear you are going to be putting out more videos. I have missed seeing your vids over the last couple months.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you, Jonathan!

[@WikiSnapper]

I am super excited to make some of these! Thank you!

[@timpeterson87]

Subscribed! And trying to see if I can get some made! Thank you

[@jimlee5626]

Nice build.

[@benbrubaker7896]

Very cool, thanks for sharing.

[@shonaranae4588]

I wish I was a wood worker because these are beautuful!

[@RobertChambers1522]

I bought 4 different kinds, definitely will try my hand at making my own soon. And if Mitutoyo ends up making them for whatever reason, I'm definitely gonna go for that, too

[@keithspencersr.6806]

Loved the art skills

[@dalewilliamson1125]

Very interesting James, thank you for sharing.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you, Dale!

[@joliemoss689]

I also noticed that they were assembled differently after staining. Should I assume that the finished product is correct?

[@SlowandExpensive]

Great video and project! Very cool. Thanks for the plans too.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks for watching!

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Hello James, Irt has been a while since I have been able to work in my shop. My back surgery went well, and as soon as the temperature gets to a more compatible zone where I can work in the shop. Your video here was really good and strikes my memory from my math classes in college. the good old Golden Ratio. Hope all is well with you and yours. Thanks again for sharing.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Felix! It's good to hear from you.

[@larndavies6954]

Educational and entertaining as usual James, thank you for sharing mate

[@mitchhathorn]

Beautiful and useful. Thanks for the video.

[@RayBecker]

Why does this only have 82k views? Awesome job. The theory and relation to Nature and Mathematics is really incredible. You explained the "Why" and that is what really hooked me. Good job man!

[@artnouveau4332]

I read the book by hand and eye and they talk about the golden ratio. this will be useful

[@roytelling6540]

Hi I watched this video after watching your video on Google SketchUp (wanted video on SketchUp for my friends kid). I like making things from metal or wood and I uses SketchUp a lot because I think it is better to make a mistake in the drawing stage then making stage. But the main reason I am commenting here is that if anyone use SketchUp when you use the rectangle tool if you slowly drag it out you will see a dotted line from corner to corner and the words "GOLDEN SECTION" it will also show when it is a square.

[@Matthew3687]

Thank you.