LAYOUT &

MEASURING

2014 August Home Publishing Co.

tools of the trade

7essential

Layout Tools
With a small collection of the right tools, you can handle just about
any layout task efficiently and accurately.
Almost every woodworking task
starts with an accurate layout.
Without these guidelines to follow, the table saw, drill press, band
saw, and all your other cutting and
shaping tools arent of much value.
Often, the first tools you pick
up when starting a project are the
ones used to lay out the parts and
joinery. So having a complete set of
these essential tools is key to getting the job started down the right
road. Heres a short list of the basic
layout tools that I wouldnt want
to be without.

Combination Square

A high-quality, 12" combination square is surely one of the
most versatile layout tools you
can own. Not only can it be used
to mark accurate 90 and 45 lines
(photo at right), the sliding blade
can be used for measuring, as a
short straightedge, and as a layout
gauge. Dont skimp on this one.
Buy the best combination square
you can afford. Itll get used every
day and last a lifetime.

Tape Measure

For making large scale layout measurements quickly, a 12' or
16' steel tape measure cant be beat
(photo at left). The end of the
tape hooks firmly over
the end of a
workpiece

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

for easy outside measurements, but

also adapts to inside readings.
Look for a tape with a 34"- or
1"-wide blade that has fine, easy-toread markings, then take good care
of it. If the tape starts to wear or the
hook gets damaged, replace it.

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.

Ruler

A 6" steel ruler with etched
graduations comes in handy for all
sorts of precise layout tasks. The
advantage over a bigger rule is in
the compact size, thin blade, and
the distinct, easy-to-read markings.
You can use it lying flat, as shown

at right, or turn it on edge to get a

better read when necessary.
My rule earns its keep when laying out dovetails, mortises, tenons,
and any other joinery for which
dead-on accuracy is a must. I keep
it in my apron pocket at all times.

Straightedge

Project parts (and the layouts needed to cut them to shape)
come in all different sizes. When
working on a project that requires
large panels, a 36" or 48" aluminum
straightedge is invaluable.
The essential job of a long
straightedge is to connect measured marks with a layout line. For
this, you dont need an expensive
machinists-quality tool. Just find
one thats straight and rigid.

Marking Knife

A pencil line is adequate for
many layout tasks, but for more
demanding work, the fine, incised
line made by a marking knife is
more accurate. A marking knife
is my choice for scribing dovetail
pins from the tails, or marking the
shoulders of tenons and the cheeks
of mortises, as shown at right.
The sharp line left by a marking knife leaves no doubt where to
make a cut. The shallow groove
created by the knife can even be
used to position a chisel when
cleaning up or fine-tuning a joint.

Compass

Not all woodworking is done
along straight lines. Its often the
graceful curves you add to a project
that attract the most attention. To
draw these arcs and circles easily
and accurately on a workpiece, you
need to keep a compass on hand.
The inexpensive compass shown
at right (my favorite) has springloaded arms and a screw adjustment that allows you to easily zeroin on a radius up to 412". If your
projects often have larger curves,
consider adding a beam compass
to your tool collection as well.

Bevel Gauge

Whenever a project layout
calls for an angle other than 90,
youll find that a sliding bevel
gauge is indispensible. The slotted blade on a bevel gauge can be
adjusted and locked at any angle,
as well as extended or shortened as
needed. I call on mine when laying
out dovetails or other angled joinery, and to transfer angles from part
to part or shop drawings.

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.

ng
i
k
r
o
w
wood tials
essen

9 shop-tested

Measuring
& Marking Tips
The tape measure and steel rule are the
fundamental measuring tools for every
project in my shop. And using them
seems like it should be second nature.
Yet its amazing how many errors
are introduced this early in the woodworking process. The key to success
is to incorporate some sound principles into how you measure and

} Here are a just a few of the helpful measuring tools that youll
want to keep handy in your shop.
Tape measure
Hook rule

mark and then use them each and

every time you reach for your measuring and marking tools. Here are
the tips that I try to keep in mind.

[1] Choose the Right Tools

As with most things, you get what you

pay for when it comes to measuring
tools. The tape measure should be a
brand you can trust. Also, you can probably get by with a smaller 10' or 12' tape
for the shop, rather than a 25' model that
a carpenter might use. For steel rules,
choose an etched option instead of one
that is stamped or painted. Theyre
typically more accurate (photo at left).

[2] Use the Same Tools

Etched
steel rule

When you get busy working in the shop,

theres a tendency to reach for whatever
measuring tool is handy when setting
up a cut. However, I make an effort to
use the same tape measure or rule for

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

all the parts in the same project, particularly mating parts. Markings on tape
measures and rules can vary from brand
to brand and even tool to tool, so using
the same tool can take some possibility
for error out of the process.

[3] Let Your Tape Shift

Speaking of error, one commonly misunderstood fact about tape measures

has to do with the little bit of play
you may notice in the hook at the end
of the tape. Contrary to popular belief,
this isnt a design flaw thats introducing errors into your projects. Rather, this
built-in wiggle allows the tape to adjust
to make an accurate outside measurement or inside measurement.
It all depends on where you place the
hook of the tape measure for the measurement at hand. Essentially, the shift
is intended to match the thickness of the
hook, so it either adds or subtracts

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.

itself from the dimensions shown

based on whether you push or pull
on it for a particular measurement.

[4] Simplify Centers

The main photo on the previous page

shows a simple tip Ive been using for
years. To find the center of a piece, dont
fuss around with calculating half of an
odd dimension. Instead, simply tilt the
tape measure or rule until the opposite
end or edge of the workpiece lines up
with a whole number (such as 8"). Then
you can mark the center much more easily (right at 4" in this example).

[5] Try a Hook Rule

In my shop, Ive come to rely on a

hook rule for project part layout (near
right photo, above). The reason is simple: With a standard rule, youre still
often guessing as to whether or not
you are truly lined up with the end or
edge of the board. The hook rule takes
this guesswork out of the equation by
letting you hook right to the end or
edge of the piece.

[6] Turn It on Edge

Since a hook rule is placed on its edge, it

also allows you to mark more precisely

{ Hook rules take the guesswork

out of placing the rule on the end
or edge of a workpiece before
marking it.
by aligning the pencil with the marking
on the rule itself. This is more exact than
marking with a rule on its face, which
could introduce slight errors due to the
thickness of the rule. So when extreme
precision is needed, such as for mortise
or tenon dimensions, Ill also turn a standard rule on edge when marking.

[7] Take Two Measurements

When measuring inside a drawer or

cabinet, the tendency is to bend the
tape into a corner, which can create
inaccuracy. Instead, I like to measure to
a fixed dimension (like 10"), and then
measure back to that from the other side
(photos at right). Then simply add the
two numbers together to get the total
dimension. This results in a more accurate measurement.

{
For accurate inside dimensions,
mark a fixed point (above), and
then measure back to it from the
other direction (below).
distance from the table saw blade to the
rip fence (below left).

[9] The Right Place

When youre getting ready to make a

cut, use the same measuring device to
both mark the workpiece and to set up
the tool itself for the cut. For example,
Ill always use my steel rule to set the

Finally, you want to think about where

to measure and mark a workpiece based
on the tool youll be using to cut it. For
example, if its a miter saw cut, you
should measure and mark the face of
the board to line up with the blade. At
the table saw, its the front leading edge
or end that youll want to measure and
mark (photos below). Its just another
simple way to improve accuracy.

{ Using the same rule to both mea-

{ For table saw cuts, mark the bot-

{ On the miter saw, youll be cut-

sure the part (above) and set up

the tool (below) is a good doublecheck of accuracy.

tom end or edge of the workpiece, since this is what contacts

the blade first.

ting the top face of the workpiece

first. So this is the area to mark
when setting up the cut.

[8] Use the Rule on the Tool

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.

IN THE Shop

12
Measuring
tips for

& Marking
Measure twice cut once. Ive
followed those words of wisdom
ever since I began woodworking.
But over the years, Ive learned a
few other things that have helped

me get accurate and consistent

results time after time.
On the next few pages youll
find a dozen ideas that are sure
to be useful in any shop. Some

involve using the right tool, while

others focus on technique. And no
matter what kind of projects you
build, you can put most of them to
work in your shop right away.

1 Etched vs. Stamped >

Its hard to pass up a bargain, but when it comes
to measuring tools I buy the best I can afford. And
one of the biggest differences between high-quality
measuring tools and cheaper models is the use of
etched lines rather than stamped marks.
The practical benefit of etched lines is that theyre
finer, allowing more definition between small measurements. I like them because theyre easier to
read in normal lighting. These tools usually cost a
little more, but theyre worth the investment.

{ Finer Lines. The fine etched lines in the top photo

extend all the way to the edge of the rule, making them
easier to read than the stamped lines of the lower one.

2 < One Tape per Project

Its tough to beat a tape measure for ease of use
and convenience. I have several in my shop. But Ive
learned that using different tapes on a project can lead
to serious measurement errors. The problem is tapes
can differ in their readings for a couple of reasons.
First, if the hook on the end is bent or damaged, it
can throw off the starting point of the measurement.
Second, the tapes themselves can be printed with
small deviations in the measuring marks. But if you
stick to one tape measure throughout a project, youll
be sure to get consistent results.
5

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.

3 Check Square >

Its tempting to assume that
framing squares are, in fact, perfectly square. Unfortunately, thats
not always the case. It doesnt take
much more than a drop off the
bench to distort a blade.
Any distortion is magnified
down the length of the blade and
will result in a loss of accuracy that
can ruin a project. The good news
is theres an easy way to test your
tools. The drawing at right shows
you how to determine whether
your square is actually square.

< Center Punch.

Strike the inside
corner with a
center punch to
open the legs or
outside (see inset)
to close them.

4 Accuracy with Fractional Calipers }

If youve ever tried to measure the
thickness of a board or the width of
a dado with a tape measure, then
you know its a challenge to get
accurate results. Even with a good
steel rule, its still tough.
For these measurements, I reach
for a caliper. A caliper is designed
for that kind of job and its far
more precise than most woodworking tools. But not just any caliper will yield easy-to-read results.
Because I use fractional measurements in my projects, I prefer to use
a fractional, rather than decimal,
caliper. A fractional caliper has
marks in 164" increments. So you
dont have to do the math to find
the dimension youre looking for.

Inside Dimensions.
The shorter jaws on a caliper
are used for inside measurements,
such as the width of a dado.

Outside
Dimensions.
The long jaws
on a caliper
are used to
measure the
thickness of a
board or other
outside
dimensions.

5 < Marking Knife

When it comes to laying out marks
for cutting joinery, a pencil line is
often too thick. For precision work, I
reach for a sharp marking knife.
Not only does the knife lay down
a fine line, but the mark is durable
and wont smudge or fade as you
handle the piece. Another benefit for
joinery work is the line also provides
a handy groove for placing a chisel
or saw blade. Thats especially useful
if youre squaring up the sides of a
mortise after drilling out the waste.
The line keeps your cuts square.
6

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.

6 < Awl for Marking Starter Holes

When it comes to laying out hole
locations, I reach for an awl. Its
especially handy if youre drilling
the holes with a hand drill rather
than at the drill press. The awl
leaves a small indentation which
serves as a starter for a drill bit.
By placing the tip of the drill
bit in the awl mark, you avoid the

possibility of the bit wandering off

the mark and scratching the surrounding stock. It also guarantees
a more precise hole location than
if you had just made an x on the
stock with your pencil. Another
nice thing is the mark will survive
sanding. So you can preserve the
layout if you pre-finish the part.

7 Use a Drill Bit for Precise Setup >

Setting the fence of your router
table to an exact distance from the
bit can be a real chore. However,
since drill bits are precisely
machined to a specific diameter,
you can use them as reliable measuring tools just like a set of
brass set-up blocks.

For instance, if you need a dado

from the edge of a board, just
lay a 38"-dia. drill bit between the
fence and the cutting edge of a
router bit. This guarantees the
dado will be where you need it
without a lot of fussy measuring
in tight spaces.
3 "
8

8 < Mark Properly with a Straightedge

It may sound like splitting hairs,
but the way you hold your pencil
or marking knife against a straightedge as you make a mark can make
a big difference. If you want to put
a line on an exact measurement,
youll need to be sure the tip of
your pencil or knife is not angled
away from the edge of the square
or rule, as in the far left photo.

A simple way to ensure consistent layout marks is to hold the

point against the straightedge, as
shown in the photo at left.
Another rule of thumb is to pull
the pencil toward you, rather than
try to push it along the straightedge. Pushing the tip can cause it
to catch on the grain of the wood
and jump away from the line.

9 Label Drawers >

No matter how many times Ive built
a set of drawers, its easy to get confused and mix up the pieces. The
time-tested method of marking
the matching corners remains
the surest way to avoid this
mistake. Once youve
laid out your pieces, just
label both sides of each
corner with a letter or a
number. (I like to underline
them as well.) This makes it easy
to match them when its time to
assemble the parts. Make sure that all
marks are oriented the same way, so
you can tell which edge is the top and
bottom of the pieces.
7

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.

10

Cabinetmakers Mark >

When laying out and grain matching boards for

a panel or tabletop, I use a cabinetmakers mark
to clearly identify the arrangement of the
pieces. The great thing about it is its
quick, easy, and guarantees youll reassemble the pieces in the right order.
As you can see in the drawing, a V marked
on the face of the boards lines up in two different
places. The two marks make it very easy to see
when youve perfectly assembled the parts.
Another nice thing is the marks dont have to
be thin to be accurate. For that reason, I usually
use chalk to make the triangle since its highly
visible, even on dark woods, and is easy to
remove when Im done.

11 < Mark Jointed Edges

12 Dont Measure At All >

From time to time, no matter how careful you are,
youll make a mistake reading tapes and rules. For
me, this usually happens when Im trying to read the
marks upside down or with the tape in an awkward
position. Other times Im just in a hurry and get the
measurements transposed. The fact of the matter is,
there are times when the best thing to do is leave
your tape on the bench and not measure at all.
A good example of this is fitting an inset cabinet
door. Of course youll want to begin by building
the door to a rough size using the dimensions from
your plans. But when youve completed the case or
frame for the door, why not just hold the rough-sized
piece up to the opening and mark the edge showing
the exact height and width? This way, youll be sure
to have the correct dimension. Then you can use a
square and transfer those edge marks to the face of
the piece and have your layout. After that, its just a
matter of going to the table saw and cutting the door
or drawer front to the layout lines for a perfect fit.
8

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

Most woodworking projects begin by milling your

stock flat and square. That means heading to the
jointer with a pile of boards and running them
through, one after another, to create a flat and
square reference face and edge. The problem is,
when its time to square the opposite side, its often
hard to tell which edge or face of a board youve
just flattened.
The easy solution is to mark each freshly jointed
surface as you go. It only takes a second, but a quick
pencil mark can save you a lot of head scratching
down the road. This way, when it comes time to cut
or plane the opposite side parallel, you can tell at
a glance which side goes against the fence of your
table saw or face down through the planer.

Consistency.
An
even gap around
the edges highlights
a perfectly fit inset
door.

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.

MAIL
ORDER
SOURCES
Woodsmith Store
800-444-7527
amazon.com
Enco
800-873-3626
use-enco.com
General Tools
800-697-8665
generaltools.com
Lee Valley
800-871-8158
leevalley.com
Rockler
800-279-4441
rockler.com

Project Sources
LAYOUT TOOLS
Most of the layout tools shown
in the article are common
enough that they can be ordered
through just about any woodworking catalog. But there are
a couple of items that deserve
a special mention.
When choosing a combination square, it pays to spend a
little extra and get a high-quality
tool. Starrett, Brown & Sharpe,
and Mitutoyo are all top brands.
The compass shown in the
article is one of my favorites. Its
made by General Tools, and can
be purchased directly from the
manufacturers website (Item
#842).

WoodsmithPlans.com WSS813_L&M

2014 August Home Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.