Tool for measuring and marking

The judgement of a civilization's development, intelligence and maturity can be found in the tools it uses. The more sophisticated the woodworking tools of a civilization the better the quality of its woodwork. As the human race advanced in time and the more experience it became with it's tools and the more detailed and precise these tools became the higher the quality and detail of it's woodwork.

Today's woodworking tools are finely crafted and precise in their accuracy. They are capable of thrilling us with what appears to be wondrous, even magical. Don't let these modern wonders of woodworking tools overwhelm you. Start simple and work your way up.

A woodworker needs four basic types of tools. A place to work, tools for cutting an shaping, tools for assembly, and finishing tools. With these four tool types in mind start with the basics.

Hand tools with a few practical and variable use power tools will be all you need to start you on you way to woodworking.

Basic measuring tools are not complicated and don't require much care. Making proper cuts is key to basic woodworking skills. It is important to have an accurate rule, a means of marking angles, and something to mark with, usually a pencil.

Rulers-

There are a large variety of rulers and the most popular is the metal tape measure. Another is the 24 inch wooden folding rule and finally the wooden zigzag rule, which can be as much as eight feet long. These type have a long tape rolled up in a metal case. They operate on a spring and have a lock to hold it's length without rolling the tape measure back inside it's case.

Selection tips-

For buying wooden rulers, find ones which are sturdy and have both standard and metric markings. Be sure that they have a locking pin to keep the rule from opening. If buying used rules
be sure that the above markings and lock pin are in good readable condition.

Care and Maintenance-

Keep your metal ruler clean and free from dirt and rust. This can be done by simply wiping down the tape on a regular basis. Never release the lock and allow the blade to whiz back into the case as it will damage the spring. Hold the tape blade in one hand and the ruler case in the other, then slowly allow the blade to retract back inside the case, and your measure will last a long time.

Squares-

A square is used to create angles and to check the true and square joinings. They also have measurement markings in standard and metric. As with all other tools they are varied in design and uses. Each one with a particular project or task.

A miter square is for marking 45 degree angles. Try squares are shaped like an "L" to mark 90 degree angles and checking for squareness. The sliding bevel is adjustable and used in conjunction with a protractor to mark angles of up to 180 degrees. Combination squares have both 45 and 90 degree angles.

Selection tips-

These three items will be used most often and will provide you with good accuracy when marking angles. Wood is less expensive and are accurate for general projects. Metal is preferred but can be a bit costly. Both wood and metal squares can be found at any hardware store.

Care and maintenance-

Squares are very low maintenance tools and only need to be wiped down and checked for rust or rot. The rivets or locking nuts need to be examined on a regular basis and adjusted for tightness and function. They don't require any more maintenance.

Marking tools-

The most frequently used marking tool is a sharp pencil. Many wood workers prefer the marking knife for it's superior accuracy. Unlike a pocket knife a marking knife is beveled on one side and flat on the other to allow for a thin straight mark. The small cut makes it easier to guild the cutting tool and most cutting knives are inexpensive.

An awl, is a sharp , pointed piece of metal attached to a wooden round handle. It's appearance is that like an ice pick. It is used to mark or start nails. Another use is for scratching a mark in soft wood.

Marking gauges are sometimes used by wood workers and they have a fence to keep them flush to the board and have a writing tool at the other end to mark the cut as the tool slides along the edge of the board. Some other measuring tools include, compass or divider, used to draw circles and marking increments and plane gauges used to determine if a piece of wood is flat.

Care and maintenance-

Care and maintenance of these tools will depend on the material they are made of. The most important thing to remember is keeping these marking took sharp. You can do it yourself or take them to the hardware store.