Use These Tools To Make Accurate Lines When Woodworking

Once you have an idea and blueprint of what you want to move and the materials you want to make it with, you need to transfer that idea to your materials to make it a reality. While it’s true that you can achieve quite a bit with a pencil and tape measure, it’s also true that you’re going to need a lot more than just that to be accurate and efficient, both qualities that are crucial in woodwork.

Woodworkers require more than just basic tools to get the job done; they need advanced tools like marking gauges, combination squares, jigsaws, etc. In this guide, you will get the chance to learn more about a few woodworking measuring and marking tools.

Mechanical Pencil

Let’s start off with the basics. Mechanical pencils are preferred over your old-school wooden pencils because they will always give you a sharp and crisp line. Go for a nib that’s anywhere between 0.02 to 0.04 inches. A 0.3-inch will provide you with the perfect line — it won’t be thin enough to break and neither will it be thick enough to compromise on accuracy.

Tape Measure

Here’s another basic, yet crucial tool. Some woodworkers might prefer folding rules over tape measures, but tape measures are a lot more flexible and versatile. Most tape measures will offer metric, imperial or a combination of the two in the same too. You might even want to go for a story pole tape measure that comes with a blank area you can write on and mark parts of your project on.

Short Rule

For places that are too small and tight for a tape measure, you’re going to need a short rule. This piece of equipment is a lot easier to use and also a lot more accurate because you can easily place it directly on the surface that you want to measure. A six-inch ruler is a perfect choice when it comes to short rules because it’s practical and portable.

Combination Square

This tri-square measures 45 and 90 degrees. It comes with a depth gauge as well as a router bit gauge. It is used to mark lines on the length of a board and comes with a center-finding attachment that works with protractor heads and round stocks. The ideal combination square for every woodworker is the 12-inch square. The six-inch square is also pretty popular because it’s easier to carry around in your tool belt or apron.

Try Square

This is simply a more accurate and easier-to-use version of the combination square. It comes with a metal blade attached to a wooden handle. The construction isn’t single-bodied, which means that it’s easier to rest it on the surface you’re trying to measure.

Protractor

You’re going to need these to find and mark angles, and also to find the angle on your sliding T-bevel. 

Sliding T-bevel

This is meant to be used with your protractor to help you mark angles for your project. It’s great for when you need to transfer the angles you mark onto other tools. If you don’t want to use the T-bevel with a protractor, you can find a digital one.

Straight Edge

As the name suggests, this tool is meant to help you draw straight and accurate lines. It also allows you to determine the flatness of a surface and adjust the depth of cuts on jointers.

Jigsaw

This power tool features a single blade that allows woodworkers to cut through different kinds of wood as well as a few other materials. With just a little practice, you can learn to cut both straight and curved lines.

Marking Gauge

The marking gauge is another basic, yet essential woodworking tool. It allows you to make clear and precise cuts and edges while also helping you mark accurate lines perpendicular to the edge of a surface. Essentially, they are great for precision.