Abstract: A method for producing ultra-pure Pu-238 is provided. The method comprises the steps of short-term irradiating Am-241 targets with a high, thermal neutron flux greater than 6.5×1014 neutrons cm?2 s?1 and more preferably greater than 1×1015 neutrons cm?2 s?1 for a predetermined period of time preferably from 20 days to 30 days and more preferably approximately 25 days to convert a substantial fraction of the Am-241 to Cm-242, e.g., approximately 0.555 g of Cm-242 per g of Am-241 charged, thereafter promptly chemically separating the produced Cm-242, preferably within 10 days to 20 days of the irradiation cycle of the Am-241 targets and more preferably within about 15 days of the irradiation cycle of the Am-241 targets, and recovering the ultra-pure Pu-238 decay product of the separated Cm-242.

Abstract: A miter gauge and method which provides substantially improved resolution in setting the miter angle without adding mechanical complication to the miter gauge mechanism compared to a conventional gauge configuration. The gauge includes a rectangular guide bar which slidably fits within the conventional guide groove of a cutting tool. The guide bar includes an elongated bar and is provided with a first reference pin hole aligned with the center axis of the guide bar for receiving a reference pin (F) held at a known distance of 5 inches from a pivot point on the bar. A slotted semi-circular frame is pivotally mounted to the top surface of the guide bar to pivot about the fixed pivot point on the guide bar. The guide frame includes a planar guide surface or fence against which the workpiece is held as it is moved into the cutting blade of the tool.