Post by Joe Lyddon on Jul 2, 2010 9:35:43 GMT -8
Here are some handy tips I saw on another site:
1. Whatever method you use, such as take the line or leave the line – always do it the same way. Become familiar with and consistent in your approach.
2. Use the same tool for all measurements if at all possible.
3. Use good tools – a sharp pencil, a quality tape or rule, an accurate square or protractor, a quality miter gauge and fence for the table saw.
4. At the table saw use the fence or a stop for as many cuts possible.
5. Ensure your tools – table saw, tape measure, square, fence, square, etc – are aligned, adjusted, etc. for accurate measurements. Check them before starting a project!
6. Try to use the other parts of a project to “measure” a piece, DO NOT use the tape or other measurement.
7. When possible, use a “story pole” with all the key measurements on it to size pieces.
8. Remember that we're working with wood, which varies and changes (BTW, in Reno the humidity is always 10-20% so this is reduced, but never zero. And temperature range plays a role too, doesn't it?).
9. Remember to reference off of the same “edge” when working on multiple pieces.
10. Develop little finish/trim approaches that allow one to cover up minor variances and allow for seasonal movement. An example might be a shoe molding at the bottom of a baseboard to cover the gap between the flooring and the baseboard; or having a haunch/shoulder on a rabbeted or sliding dovetail joint.
11. The old “measure twice and cut once”... remember it.
12. Use a marking knife when appropriate. Dovetails comes to mind.
13. Cut all the parts with a common dimension at the same time or at least before moving/changing the saw or other tool setup.
14. Be prepared (and skilled) in making hand tool adjustment/refinement of pieces for the final fit.
15. Move to anywhere outside the US where a sensible measurement system (metric) is used!
Do you have any more to add?
1. Whatever method you use, such as take the line or leave the line – always do it the same way. Become familiar with and consistent in your approach.
2. Use the same tool for all measurements if at all possible.
3. Use good tools – a sharp pencil, a quality tape or rule, an accurate square or protractor, a quality miter gauge and fence for the table saw.
4. At the table saw use the fence or a stop for as many cuts possible.
5. Ensure your tools – table saw, tape measure, square, fence, square, etc – are aligned, adjusted, etc. for accurate measurements. Check them before starting a project!
6. Try to use the other parts of a project to “measure” a piece, DO NOT use the tape or other measurement.
7. When possible, use a “story pole” with all the key measurements on it to size pieces.
8. Remember that we're working with wood, which varies and changes (BTW, in Reno the humidity is always 10-20% so this is reduced, but never zero. And temperature range plays a role too, doesn't it?).
9. Remember to reference off of the same “edge” when working on multiple pieces.
10. Develop little finish/trim approaches that allow one to cover up minor variances and allow for seasonal movement. An example might be a shoe molding at the bottom of a baseboard to cover the gap between the flooring and the baseboard; or having a haunch/shoulder on a rabbeted or sliding dovetail joint.
11. The old “measure twice and cut once”... remember it.
12. Use a marking knife when appropriate. Dovetails comes to mind.
13. Cut all the parts with a common dimension at the same time or at least before moving/changing the saw or other tool setup.
14. Be prepared (and skilled) in making hand tool adjustment/refinement of pieces for the final fit.
15. Move to anywhere outside the US where a sensible measurement system (metric) is used!
Do you have any more to add?