This accessory can be constructed in order to determine the thickness of the bottom of a vessel.
Using plywood or similar material, cut two pieces approximately 6” long and 4”wide. Assemble at right angles to each other.
On the bottom piece, attach a piece of stock that fits between the ways of your lathe. It should be cut to slide easily without any side motion.
On the upright piece attach a dowel perpendicular to your headstock and in line with the center axis of your lathe.
A third piece of stock is cut to lay flat across the ways of the lathe. The size of this piece will determine thickness of the vessel.
When the upright fixture is positioned against the cross member piece, it will indicate the distance between the face of the chuck and the bottom of the vessel.