A Primer on Hand Tools: Measurement by Reference
Measuring by reference is exactly as you might imagine. Rather than taking each project piece, pulling out your ruler and measuring the length, width, angle or placement of dado's you reference from an existing piece.
Many woodworkers use reference techniques to reduce the chance for error. If you pull out your tape measure to individually measure and mark each piece before a cut you risk missing your mark. You might get distracted, get tired or just get sloppy. We all say, "Measure twice, cut once," but we also all forget to do that sometimes. Or, we might simply measure wrong, twice! Reference tools, like the ones below, reduce that risk because we know this is a tried and true measurement.
o Storyboard: If, for instance, you are making case frames that are 32" long x 2" wide and call for half laps at the top, bottom and 6" down from the top you can make one piece just the way you need it, write the important details on it and save it for each additional piece. This way, if you decide to make this project again in another few months, or another few years, all of your measurements are already recorded. You simply use this piece to set up your cuts, no rulers needed. This is called a "storyboard," because the story of that piece is written there.
o Jigs: Similarly, if you frequently make wooden tool boxes to sell at craft fairs you might make a special sled or other jig for your table saw that holds a blank side at exactly the angle you want to copy. Each time you make this box you simply clamp the side in place and cut. There is no need to repeat angle measurements time and time again.
You can make jigs like this for routers, drill presses, bandsaws and other tools you use regularly for a project.
o Squares: This is a fixed right angle tool that references off the edge or face of a board to create a straight line.
o Bevel gauges: This is a tool with a blade that swivels and slides. You use this to find an existing angle, such as an inside corner. You place the handle on one side and move the blade flat against the other, lock it and transfer the angle to your work piece.
o Pantographs: This is used to copy a pattern. Instead of drawing freehand or using a grid to replicate a pattern you guide a stylus along the pattern and it traces it for you.
As you become more comfortable with woodworking you will no doubt find certain projects that you are drawn too and along the way you will find different ways to simplify the steps. Sometimes that will mean a purchase of a specialized tool but other times it will simply mean a faster, more accurate way to get from a blank of wood to the size and shape you need that wood to be.
Remember, there was a time when people measured by putting knots in string. Heck that might still work on occasion. Don't be afraid to think outside of the box, or the tape measure case.
About the Author:
Lucy LaForest is a self-taught woodworker and tool aficionado. She has been working in her home shop for over twenty five years and enjoys building furniture, decorative boxes, and toys. Lucy is especially interested in attracting more women to woodworking as a hobby, or as a profession. Lucy has lots more information for you at Woodworking With Lucy
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