Shop-Made Beam Compass

When it comes to laying out large arcs and circles for a project, nothing beats a beam compass. The beauty of this tool is you’re not limited by the distance between points as you would be with a standard compass. For larger circles, you just use a longer beam. For the beam compass shown here, anodized aluminum gives it a unique look and durability. And wood veneer adds the look and feel of an heirloom tool. After spending a little time in the shop, you’ll have a handy tool you’ll reach for often.