Measuring and Marking

SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)

Free Year + Free Gift! Order NOW and get 1 FREE YEAR of Wood® Magazine! PLUS you'll get our Great Projects for Your Shop guide instantly! That's 2 full years (14 issues) for the 1-year-rate – just $28.00. This is a limited-time offer, so HURRY!
(U.S. orders only) (Click here for Canadian orders)

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Wood® Magazine is currently published 7 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

< Return Home < Back

Measuring and Marking

Share
Print
Comments (5)

1. For measurements less than 1', we suggest that you use a rigid metal rule. Unlike a tape measure, a metal rule will lie flat on your workpiece, won't flex, and doesn't have a riveted end.

For measurements greater than 1', a trusty tape measure works fine. Just remember that two tape measures often will give you two different measurements. So, always use the same tape measure throughout the construction of a project. If you and someone else are working on the same project, both of you should use the same brand and length of tape measure. It's a good idea to double-check their accuracy by laying them side by side, as shown above, to make sure that they measure the same.

2. When cutting pieces to length, always square one end before you mark anything. Never mark both ends for length before cutting -- you double your chance for error.

3. The riveted end on a tape measure can contribute to inaccuracy if its rivet holes become elongated over time. Unless you're certain that the end of your tape measure is dead-on, you should avoid using it. Instead, line up the 1" mark with the squared end of your workpiece, and then add 1" from the reading on your tape when marking the other end of the cut.

Share
Print
Comments (5)

Meauring and Marking Rules

4. Try to get into the habit of using a mechanical pencil for marking tasks. Its fine lead gives you a narrow line that leaves little doubt where a cut should fall, mark after mark.

Such a pencil can be bothersome if you continually break the lead. To avoid this, hold the pencil at an angle rather than vertically.

5. Whenever possible, use a square to mark your pieces for length. This way, you will have a straight mark perpendicular to the edge that's easier to accurately split with your blade.

Before doing this, you need to accurately mark the location of the square's blade. Do this by making a V-shaped mark with its point at the exact measurement on the tape as shown below. You won't lose track of this mark if you glance away for any reason.