Tips For Precise Measurements in Woodworking

Tips For Precise Measurements in Woodworking

Every woodworker experiences the frustration of poor results from inaccurate measurements. Using precise, accurate techniques to mark and cut your material is essential, whether you’re building furniture, engaging in general carpentry or building models.

If you follow the tips below, your measurements will improve dramatically, and you will find the craft of woodworking much more enjoyable.

Use Accurately Machined Instruments

For most tasks in woodworking, cheap dollar store rulers just won’t cut it. The best tools are manufactured to extremely low tolerances and built by heavy duty machines Houston TX. These tools are accurate to a few thousandths of a millimeter, and you will immediately notice a difference in your woodworking.

Ditch the Carpenter’s Pencil

It is tempting to buy a bunch of cheap carpenter’s pencils at your local big-box store, but these are not designed to make precise markings. Carpenter’s pencils use a very thick led, which leaves more room for error when making your cuts. Save this pencil for writing out measurements or marking things that don’t have to be very precise. A mechanical pencil or a pencil with a 5H lead will serve you much better.

Cut Your Lines with A Knife

If you want to take the next step in woodworking, the most accurate way to mark your material is to use a single bevel cutting knife. Using a knife in combination with your machined measuring tool will ensure the best quality in your cuts. It’s a little intimidating to cut your lines with a knife, but with some practice, you will never want to go back. Of course, a pencil is perfectly acceptable for marking certain cuts, so you should still buy some pencils with thin lead.

Measuring and marking your material can be a frustrating experience. Before you give up woodworking entirely, try the tips from this article. With some experimentation and practice, you will be making better cuts in no time.