Precise measurement is the most important part of any woodworking project. A little mistake in any measurement will make you spend extra time to correct that mistake; otherwise, you will not be able to accomplish that project.
For proper measurement, you must have defect-free measuring tools with good knowledge about the usage of these tools.
There are so many woodworking tools available in the market for measurement but buying all of those measuring tools will not be a wise decision. Rather it is better to find out some such measuring tools that are frequently needed and you can use these tools for multiple measuring purposes.
For your help, we have done thorough research about the measuring tools used by woodworker and figure out the 5 top most frequently used tools.
What is a Measuring Tool?
Before going to them through a discussion about measuring tool let me give you a short brief about measuring tool.
In woodworking, you have to do make frequent measuring such as measuring the distance between two points, measuring the angular distance, checking the flatness of a surface etc. To accomplish these tasks you need to take help of some special tools that are called measuring tools.
Types of Measuring Tools
There are so many types of measuring tools used in the woodshop. Generally, these measuring tools can be divided into 3 categories:
1. Linear Distance Measurement Tools
Depending on the distance there are many tools available for measuring length. Some tools are convenient to measure small to large lengths and some are to measure little and crucial lengths.
For example, you can use a tape measure, steel ruler, folding ruler, laser measure etc. for measuring small to large length. But, to measure little and crucial lengths you have to use a Vernier Calipers.
2. Angular or Circular Distance Measurement Tools
You cannot use the linear distance measuring tools for measuring angular or circular distance. You have to use screw gauge, compass, protractor, angle gauge, framing square, sliding bevel gauge, try square etc. for measuring angular or circular distance
Making finely flat surface is a common requirement of many wooden projects. It is not possible to check the accuracy of flatness with an open eye. So you have to take help of flatness checking measuring tools like level.
Top 5 Measuring Tools for a Wood Shop
1. Tape Measure
The tape measure is the basic measuring tool. Although there are different types of rulers that can be used for woodworking we have prioritized tape measure as it gives you the advantage of measuring the length of small to big range. You can measure generally 10ft-25 ft. length using a tape measure.
2. Vernier Calipers
Vernier Calipers is another measuring tool that every woodworker must keep in the collection of tools because you can small to large distance using any kind of measuring tool but to measure little distance you need the help of Vernier calipers.
For example, you cannot measure the gauge of drill bits, router bits, screws sizes and blade widths using a tape measure, steel ruler or folding ruler. In these cases, you must need the help of Vernier Calipers
Many woodworking projects require making a right angle and a framing square is the best measuring tool to check the right angle.
You can also check square edges using a framing square. To check the accuracy of wood pieces during nailing, screwing or stapling no woodworking tool is as best as framing square.
4. Marking Equipment
To cut the object according to the measurement you have to mark the measuring line on the object, otherwise, your measurement will be fruitless.
For marking on the object you can use a mechanical pencil or marking knife. Though a traditional pencil can also be used for this purpose it requires continuous sharpening, on the other hand, you do not have to go through the trouble of sharpening a mechanical pencil
Cutting objects at a specific angle is a common requirement of many woodworking projects. The protractor is used to measure the angle.
Though you can use a compass for making angle protractor is advancer than a traditional compass and it helps to make the angle more easily. So, as a modern woodworker, it is wise to choose a protractor rather than a traditional compass.
Conclusion
No woodworking shop can be completed without the above mentioned most important woodworking tools. So, if you have a woodshop you must have these measuring tools. When you buy any measuring tool you buy it to use for a long time. But tools may get damaged by continuous using if you do not maintain these tools properly. So you must have to learn the rules of taking care of measuring tools besides keeping them in your collection.
