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You’ve been there before – a gap in a mitered frame, an expensive board cut a fraction too short, maybe even chopped a mortise on the wrong side.
You might have even measured twice…but good intentions aren’t going to save that piece of expensive lumber. In “Marking & Measuring: 11 Articles to Help You Zero In on Perfect Work,” our newest digital magazine, we’ve collected 11 articles from the Popular Woodworking Magazine and Woodworking Magazine archives that will help you avoid such problems and measure with greater precision and accuracy. Marking your work correctly, too, can have an effect on your final result.
You’ll find tips on how to use tools from simple squares to sophisticated dial calipers, how to use traditional cabinetmakers’ marks, and how you can avoid mathematical errors (and avoid math entirely) with a traditional woodworking device.
Robert W. Lang sets the starting point with “Measure, Mark & Lay Out,” a primer on measuring and layout – and Robert shows you that one of the most important things to check are your assumptions.
A split-second swirl of a pencil can save you hours of trouble — in “Make Your Mark,” Christopher Schwarz shows you how as simple mark can help you keep the right face forward.
Robert W. Lang reveals some of the secrets of making “Shop-built Layout Tools.” You’ll end up with a couple of new tools and learn the tricks of testing a straightedge and square.
In “Measuring 101,” Christopher Schwarz teaches you how to find a square that is actually square, tips on buying a tape measure and why 16’ is long enough, thank you very much.
Christopher Schwarz shows you how using “Marking Knives” leads to cleaner, more accurate cuts. Find out how Christopher grinds old spade bits into useful tools.
Build a useful tool that’s easy to make, easy on the eyes and fantastic to use. Christopher Schwarz shows you how to create an “English Layout Square” that will give you practice cutting a bridle joint and adding decorative details to your work.
In “The Mighty Compass,” Robert W. Lang reveals how a swing of an arc can solve many of your layout and construction problems.
Robert then takes a close look at the anatomy and use of “Combination Squares”– you’ll learn how to select and maintain this basic woodworking tool. (And find out why Robert thinks you should have more than one.)
In “Dial Calipers,” David Thiel shows you a host of uses for this precision measuring instrument, from checking the depth of a mortise to helping tune a handplane.
“Try Squares” is a handy cheat sheet – everything you need to know about try squares; from common sizes, to how to diagnose and repair problems and more.
Step away from the calculator – in “Secrets of the Sector,” Jim Tolpin shows you how to make and use a traditional tool that can simplify your layout chores.
You get all these articles for only $4.99. Just click here to buy it and start measuring up to your potential. Mark my words, that’s a deal!
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