Questions tagged [measurement]
Questions regarding the technique of measuring or tools that measure specific things, including both dimensions and angles, as well as moisture content.
33
questions
4
votes
2answers
150 views
Why does the blade of a sliding T-bevel have a point?
Does anyone have a good reference for the reason a typical wood or metal sliding T-bevel comes to a point?
I've always wondered, and recently this tool came up in a semi-famous YouTube video, which ...
0
votes
1answer
78 views
How do I ensure that the bottom of my shelf project is level?
I'm very new to woodworking, and for my first project I decided to make a very simple shelf out of reclaimed pallet wood.
If you can imagine the pallet standing on it's side, with the planks vertical,...
1
vote
2answers
105 views
Reversed Foldable Carpenter Ruler?
My mother used to work in home decoration (in Switzerland we have a dedicated name for this: courtepointière) and she always used her Hultafors CONTACT meter (559-2-10) which differs from my regular ...
1
vote
2answers
68 views
Procedure to measure for jamb width?
I have a bunch of doorways to make jambs and casing for. These are not going to have actual doors hung, just trimmed out. These are standard 2x4 framed walls with finished gypsum board surfaces.
I'm ...
1
vote
0answers
99 views
Which try-squares have acceptable accuracy? [closed]
The question is about specific producs or lines by brands.
This is meant for hobbyist use - but if there just isn't anything in a roughly "hobbyist price range", then so be it.
I attempt to make this ...
2
votes
1answer
83 views
Percent error of a cut [closed]
I apologize ahead of time as I am brand new to wood cutting and do not know a lot.
I am cutting wood that is supposed to be 14 inches long lets say, but when I cut it, I mess up slightly and it winds ...
1
vote
0answers
41 views
Optimum base length for wall divider
I've built the wall divider with plywood sheet, 78" (2m) height and 59" (1.5m) width.
Is there any formula for calculating the proper length of the base for maximum stability?
1
vote
1answer
51 views
Cut list basics
What format should I write my cut list in? Should I add up the total amount of wood, or should I try to pick it up piece by piece?
2
votes
1answer
207 views
How to divide bookshelf evenly?
I am building a recessed bookshelf. The width is 83 inches and I am trying to divide this into thirds with two two x fours added in. So it will be 83in minus the 1.5 inches per board which gives me ...
3
votes
1answer
215 views
Measurements on a Try Square
The measurements on a try square start at the far end of the blade. Why? Wouldn't it be better to have two measurements starting at the 90 degree angles like a framing square?
Or was a try square ...
6
votes
1answer
130 views
Is it ok to clamp down squares and i-beam style levels?
I often make fences on my work surface by clamping down levels and squareslike so:
I only ever use my speed square to overlap another square because that is thick and its accuracy is rough enough ...
1
vote
1answer
218 views
How to calculate board feet for project I'm working on [duplicate]
The whole board feet deal is a little confusing to me. If I have a 2" x 2" x 36" board, how many board feet does that add up to? Is it 1 board foot? Trying to figure out how much to order for a ...
2
votes
2answers
176 views
Imperial or metric? [closed]
I'm literally just starting out in woodworking. I notice that even many British woodworkers online are talking in inches, or "a couple of thou'" when describing measurements etc. I also notice that ...
5
votes
2answers
681 views
How can I scribe a slab into a nook with three walls?
I have a slab bench I want to fit into a nook like this:
Of course, none of the walls are square, and each wall is built up as it approaches the corners.
Are there any good tricks to scribing a ...
4
votes
2answers
309 views
Can anyone Identify what this item is and what its used for?
Another of the unusual items I have discovered during the cataloging of my mothers stuff. Not sure what it is or whats its for. Makers name I believe is Hill Bros or it could be Mill Bros. Its ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
Making removable marks on walls for e.g. cabinet installation
I'm building and installing various cabinets and shelving units around the house, and when it's time to install them, knowing the exact stud and cross-bracing locations is very helpful.
I have an ...
7
votes
1answer
13k views
What would be the UK equivalent of the common US 2 by 4 (not just by size)
I've found a DIY shelving project that interests me and am setting about researching the best place to obtain the wood required for it.
In this project, and others I have seen, the American ...
8
votes
2answers
23k views
How are vacuum hose sizes measured?
I need to buy an adapter to make my shop vac work with one of my hand tools. But as I'm shopping, I realize I'm not sure what exactly I need to buy. I'd like to understand how vacuum hose sizes are ...
3
votes
0answers
37 views
Dividing a board of chipboard [duplicate]
Is there a set of rules to follow when dividing many(as many as needed) standard 2750mm X 1830mm board of chipboard according to a cutting list to ensure the least amount of waste?
10
votes
2answers
1k views
What is a board foot?
Considering this lumber sales site, what is a board foot?
I am use to seeing lumber measured width by height, but these products are measured thickness by board feet.
10
votes
5answers
47k views
How do I drill a hole exactly in the center of a circle?
I have a 2" diameter, 11" length dowel. I want to drill a 5/16" hole exactly in the center of each end, 2" min depth. It needs to be precise because it is for axles that the dowel needs to spin freely ...
4
votes
2answers
176 views
How accurate does 'square' have to be in your project? What is acceptable? [closed]
Please provide some context, some helpful hints, and other information if you can!
I have two projects that are making me think this:
When you make frames with a homemade jig, it is often the case ...
9
votes
2answers
4k views
Traditional woodworking marks
A while ago I was watching this video and the guy casually mentioned some woodworking marks that I found to be really great.
I was trying to search for more of these today and found out they are ...
10
votes
10answers
3k views
Setting precise depth on a table saw with no depth gauge
My table saw doesn't have a depth gauge. What is the quickest way to set it to a precise depth for e.g. cutting slots or dados or clean looking rabbets?
I tried using calipers to measure the blade ...
6
votes
1answer
2k views
Cutting tight miter joints for a frame around an existing object
I recently finished most of a practice project (a large lap desk). It looks like this so far:
I made a ton of mistakes but the only one I can't figure out how to fix next time is the frame around it, ...
16
votes
3answers
16k views
Caliper Showdown: Dial vs. Digital vs. Vernier
I recently purchased a digital caliper to make more precise measurements than a basic variety vernier and it works great. I wanted them to measure the width of my table saw for making my sled runners. ...
12
votes
1answer
7k views
When it comes to dovetails what is the significance of 1:6,1:7,1:8
I've been watching and reading about dovetails and you see workers put certain angle on their tails and pins. These angles can be decribed with number sets such as 1:6, 1:8 and other examples. Router ...
8
votes
2answers
255 views
Trouble identifiying a gauge
I have made another trip to my grandfather's shed and I found some more tools that I am very interested to have and use (like the adze I got!). I have been watching enough episodes of The Woodwright's ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Lumber size standards outside the US? [closed]
America does more "stick-built" construction than some countries, since we retained more of our forests longer (old-growth forests are a vanishing breed, but we haven't yet killed off the softwoods). ...
4
votes
1answer
638 views
Given final dimensions in mm, how do I choose what dimensional lumber (in customary units) to buy?
I would like to know how to figure out what timber to buy for a 45mm x 46mm x 1.6m part. My lumber supplier sells boards in customary units (2x4, 2x6, etc.). Can anyone provide a solid method to work ...
3
votes
1answer
183 views
Do these discrepancies actually matter? [closed]
As some of you may know, I am making my first ever project: a board game table. It's not going so well! Here are some pictures:
The red lines on the first picture are the drawer railings outside to ...
5
votes
2answers
262 views
When building a shelving unit, how does having the rails and stiles be out of square affect the alignment of the shelf?
I was in the shop last evening working on a shelving unit out of construction lumber (2x4s.) When I was securing the second stile to the panel I noticed that although I had measured where the rails ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
How does one measure stock for miter cuts?
I have tried unsuccessfully to make picture frames on a few occasions. I find that when I am trying to make a miter joint, I err on the side of caution and start "long" and trim my way down to square....
