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*Measuring*

Measure twice, cut once" is an old woodworking adage to help you avoid inaccurate cuts and the waste of time and materials that result from them. Measuring your work is truly an art in itself. The more accurate your measurements are, the better your work will be. It is a real art to make accurate cuts. A good measuring device is what you need to "measure twice."

Carpenters and construction workers use tape measures. Because the tape measure is flexible, it provides an easy means for accurately measuring curved surfaces. The concave cross section allows it to be extended unsupported. Contained in the housing of some models are spring mechanisms that release or retract the tape.

These tape measures have a catch at the end which allows them to be hooked onto the object being measured as the user walks to the other end of the object. The end with the catch is affectionately called the "dumb" end of the tape because all it does is hold onto the work. The other end is called the smart end because someone has to read this end.

You must be able to read a tape measure in order to accurately mark your materials for cutting. Step #1 is to measure the length required. Make sure that the tape is even with and not bowed from the material being cut. Tip the blade slightly towards yourself to help make an accurate mark.

The tape measure in the photo is divides every inch into 1/16" increments. If you ever question the increments of a tape measure, count the number of marks per inch. If you count 16 marks; every mark will measure a 16th of an inch. The next larger size mark will indicate each 8th of an inch. Increments should follow for every ¼", 1//2" and inch.


Every foot is indicated with a black mark of some kind with red numbers following it. For example 2feet 3inches rather than 27 inches.

The red marking on every multiple of 16 is used to mark framing members that are commonly 16" on center.

The basic rule is to always mark on the lower scale of the tape blade and never use a straight line or a hash mark. It's easy for straight marks to get lost in the grain of the material or its surface texture. Instead, use a mark such as the one illustrated. The point tells you that this is your mark.

Extension Rules

Extension rules are used to measure closed-in areas such as doorways and window frames where a regular folding rule will not work. Extension rules feature a 6" sliding rule in the first section that can be pulled out to measure distances of less than 6" without moving and marking.

Folding Rules

Folding rules usually consist of 6" to 8" hardwood lengths connected by spring joints.

Two basic rule styles are inside read and two way. An inside-read rule is marked on one edge of the blade so that measurements can be read from inside a window or door frame, etc. When the first section of the rule is unfolded, it enables the user to make accurate measurements without removing it from the surface being measured. It is also popular because it always lies flat on the work surface.
The two-way, flat-reading rule is calibrated so that it can be read from left to right at either end of the rule, regardless of which end is unfolded first.

Now that you have accurately marked your work you now need to do the cutting!!!!!

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