Pencil vs Marking Knife for Laying Out a Timber Cut
For most timber cuts, a sharp pencil is the quickest and most forgiving marking tool. A marking knife is slower, […]
Equipment
Equipment
Equipment
Folding Rule vs Steel Tape for Short Joinery Measurements
For short joinery measurements, a folding rule and a steel tape measure can both produce accurate work. They do not
How to Sharpen a Carpenter’s Pencil for Fine Joinery Marks
A carpenter’s pencil is made for rough work: broad lead, flat sides, and enough strength to survive a tool belt.
Best Carpenter’s Pencils for Broad Layout Lines on Rough Timber
Rough timber is where a carpenter’s pencil earns its keep. A fine mechanical pencil line can disappear across open grain,
Equipment
Best Tape Measures for Measuring Timber Frames by One Person
What matters when measuring timber frames alone Measuring timber framing by yourself is harder than ordinary stud work. The timber
How to Maintain a Folding Rule So Its Joints Stay Accurate
Why Folding-Rule Joints Matter A folding rule is only as accurate as its joints. The graduations may be printed or
Equipment
Best Folding Rules for Measuring Timber in Confined Spaces
Choosing a Folding Rule for Measuring Timber in Confined Spaces A folding rule is often more useful than a tape
How to Lock a Sliding Bevel Without Changing Its Setting
A sliding bevel is only useful if its angle stays put. The common failure is familiar: you set the blade
Equipment
Best Steel Rules for Fine Cabinet and Joinery Measurements
A steel rule is a basic tool, but fine joinery exposes the difference between a rule that is merely usable
How to Read a Steel Rule Accurately Against a Knife Line
A steel rule looks simple, but reading one accurately against a knife line takes more care than reading a tape