Colin shares his measuring tips and tricks for woodworking enthusiasts. In this video, he talks about choosing the right tape measure, dividing a board into equal parts, measuring from inside corners, finding the center of objects, and using an engineer’s square. Colin’s tips are designed to make measuring easier and accurate, helping you to avoid mistakes and save time.
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Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right tape measure can make all the difference in measuring accurately.
- Dividing a board into equal parts can be done quickly and easily with a tape measure and a little math.
- Measuring from inside corners and finding the center of objects can be made simpler with the use of rulers, squares, and triangles.
Choosing the Right Tape Measure
When it comes to measuring, a tape measure is an essential tool for any woodworker. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this section, we will discuss some tips on how to choose the right tape measure for your needs.
Firstly, it’s important to consider the length of the tape measure. While a 25-foot tape measure may be useful on a construction site, it’s unnecessary for a workshop. A smaller tape measure, such as a 10 or 12-foot one, is more suitable for woodworking projects.
Another important factor to consider is the orientation of the numbers on the tape measure. If you’re right-handed, holding a tape measure in your left hand with upside-down numbers can lead to marking mistakes. Look for a tape measure with numbers oriented in both directions or specifically designed for left-handed use to avoid this issue.
Additionally, some tape measures have both metric and imperial measurements, which can be helpful for those who work with both systems. It’s also worth considering the durability and ease of use of the tape measure, as well as any additional features like a locking mechanism or a magnetic tip.
In summary, when choosing a tape measure for woodworking projects, consider the length, orientation of the numbers, measurement systems, durability, ease of use, and any additional features. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you have the right tape measure for your needs and avoid costly mistakes in your projects.
Dividing a Board into Equal Parts
When working on a woodworking project, it is often necessary to divide a board into equal parts. This can be a time-consuming and challenging task, especially if you have to measure across and do all the math. However, there is a quick and easy way to divide a board into equal parts.
For example, if you want to divide a board in half, you can put the very tip of one side of the tape at 12 and the very tip of the other side of the tape at 12. Then, mark where the six-inch mark is, and that will be the center of the board. You can double-check it easily by going to 16, putting the very tip of one side of the tape at 16 and the very tip of the other side of the tape at 16, and then going to eight, which is half of 16.
If you need to divide a board into five equal parts, you can put the very tip of one side of the tape at 20 and then go every four inches to mark the board. This will give you five equal parts.
By using this method, you can quickly and easily divide a board into equal parts without having to do complicated math. It is a great time-saver and can help you get your woodworking projects done faster and more efficiently.
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Measuring from Inside Corners
When it comes to measuring from inside corners, Colin Cadet has some tips and tricks to make the process easier and more accurate. One of the methods he suggests is using two rulers or a small square to measure from corner to corner. By clamping them together, the measurements can be combined and added up to get an exact measurement.
Another method Colin recommends is using an engineer’s square, which is very accurate and helpful when precise measurements are needed. He cautions against using construction triangles, which may not be as accurate and can lead to frustration when working on projects like picture frames.
For finding the center of different objects, such as dowels or lids, Colin suggests using a square and a construction triangle. By clamping them together and marking where the lines intersect, the center can be easily found.
Overall, measuring from inside corners can be made easier and more accurate with the right tools and techniques. By following Colin’s tips and tricks, woodworkers can improve their measuring skills and achieve better results in their projects.
Finding the Center of Objects
When it comes to woodworking, finding the center of objects is an important task that needs to be done accurately. Colin Cadet shares some tips and tricks on how to quickly and easily find the center of different objects.
One way to find the center of a board is by using a tape measure. Instead of trying to measure across and do all the math, Colin suggests using a quick and easy method. For example, to divide a board in half, put the very tip of one side of the tape on the edge and the very tip of the 12 on the other edge. Then, mark where the six inches are, which is the center of the board. To double-check, go to 16 and mark the eight-inch mark. This method can also be used to divide the board into three, four, or even five equal parts.
Another method Colin suggests is using two rulers or a small square to measure from inside corner to inside corner to see if things are square or to fit something in there. By clamping them together, the measurements can be combined and added up accurately.
To find the center of a dowel or a lid, Colin recommends using a square and a construction triangle. By clamping them together and putting the angle right in the very V of the square, the center of the object can be marked easily.
Lastly, Colin suggests using an engineer’s square when doing precise woodworking, such as making picture frames. These squares are very accurate and can save a lot of time and frustration.
In conclusion, finding the center of objects is an important task in woodworking that can be done quickly and easily with the right tools and techniques. By following Colin’s tips and tricks, woodworkers can ensure their projects are accurate and precise.
[Video] 3 Most Common Mistakes
When Setting Up Shop
A woodworking friend of mine shared this video by Ralph Chapman with me that helped him set up his workshop.
The video explains the benefits of Ralph Chapman’s guide about setting up an affordable workshop and avoiding the most common mistakes offers to anyone interested in woodworking.
Using an Engineer’s Square
An engineer’s square is a useful tool for woodworking and other precision tasks. Colin Cadet recommends using an engineer’s square for accurate measurements, particularly when making picture frames or other projects where exact measurements are critical.
Engineer’s squares are available at most stationery stores and come in various sizes and materials. They are very accurate and can save a lot of time and frustration when working on precise projects.
In addition to using an engineer’s square for measuring, Colin also recommends clamping rulers or squares together to combine measurements. This technique allows for even more precise measurements and can be particularly useful when working with smaller pieces.
Overall, using an engineer’s square is an essential tool for anyone looking to achieve precise measurements in their woodworking or other projects.
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