Woodworking Tips: Measuring and Marking Tools

Woodworking Tips: Measuring and Marking Tools

Get the step-by-step plans to build the Multipurpose Layout Tool seen in this video here: https://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/multipurpose-layout-tool/
Or shop-built Layout Gauges here: https://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/multipurpose-layout-tool/

Having clean, clear, and accurate marks help you during the building process. Your cuts are only as accurate as your marks are, after all. Here, Phil shares some of his measuring and marking tips.

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16 Comments

  1. Val Borchardt on April 26, 2022 at 6:30 pm

    Thank you very much for those tips



  2. Eric Kelley on April 26, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    Combo square for me. Take off the head and you have a rule.



  3. David Thompson on April 26, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    Thank You



  4. Peter Snow on April 26, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    I like the compass, except I think I would rather have a nail protruding about 2mm instead of the dowel, then I could locate that in an indentation made with a centre punch. Less restoration needed afterwards.

    Some nice ideas here. Thanks.



  5. DieCastoms on April 26, 2022 at 6:47 pm

    Can you provide a link to that folding ruler? Only ones I’ve ever seen are the "zigzag" or accordion style ones that just always seemed too clumsy to be more than a toy. The one you have lies all within the same plane, when unfolded, and seems far more useful!



  6. Monte Glover on April 26, 2022 at 6:59 pm

    In my shop I’ve been using a flat back tape* rather than a conventional tape for larger layouts as well as long rules.
    *mine has a flat finish to mark on for reference.
    Several stiles by FastCap



  7. Keith Holdsworth on April 26, 2022 at 7:00 pm

    now I know what to do with the ‘waste’ T track I wouldn’t throw away! Thank you for the idea!



  8. William Rogers on April 26, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    It would be most helpful if you would have an overhead camera to show what it is you’re doing.



  9. Johnny C on April 26, 2022 at 7:08 pm

    Nothing is more accurate than a real combination square. These squares can be set to the required depth for marking for repeated accuracy. Squares now are available in different lengths. A good tool is always worth the money. Rulers have their place, & are valuable, but what you demonstrated is not an accurate way of marking for accurate measurements. Rulers have no reference edge for straight lines.



  10. DIY Advantages on April 26, 2022 at 7:11 pm

    Simple yet valuable, well covered, thank you



  11. Mohamed Docrat on April 26, 2022 at 7:13 pm

    I like a good quality steel ruler for measuring and marking as they are very consistent and accurate. Tape measures are a pain and not as precise. Thanks for the video and all the tips.



  12. ed MC on April 26, 2022 at 7:15 pm

    Thank you



  13. Earl Lewis on April 26, 2022 at 7:17 pm

    No marking knives? What are the situations where marking knives are more effective for marking your layouts?



  14. Lee Carpenter on April 26, 2022 at 7:19 pm

    Thank you Phil. Nothing has cost me more time, money, and aggravation than small mismeasurements. I finally settled on a set of steel rulers and edge markers like you demonstrated. Now if I could just remember which side of the line is the waste side…



  15. Darin on April 26, 2022 at 7:26 pm

    thanks



  16. mike layfield on April 26, 2022 at 7:27 pm

    What volume and issue is that compass in Woodsmith