Woodworking Measuring and Marking Tools

Woodworkers have been using the same basic tools for centuries to create their one of a kind creation. These woodworking tools have remained constant because of the results they produce. This is true also in the measuring and marking tools they use to create their work. All workshops are equipped with these tools and they are used on a regular basis.

Steel Square

The tool is popular for many uses including building stairs and roofing applications. The fact that it gives you a true ninety-degree angle lets you know your measurements are exact and the result will be what is desired. Carpenters have used a steel square for centuries because of its many uses and exact measurements. A good wood working shop should  not be without a steel square.

Dovetails

Dovetails have been used for many years because of its ability to hold together to joining sides. The process of a dovetail involves creating notches in one side of the wood. The piece of wood that will join together with the notches will have grooves built into them. When placed together and with the assistance of a little wood glue, this joint will create a very strong bond.

The practice of using this method dates back further than written history and it has been found to be used in many ancient burial tombs. These days, dovetails are most likely to be found on the corners of dresser drawers. There are many different dovetail techniques, which can be used, but each is equally purposeful.

Sliding Bevels

Another form of measuring and marking wood is the use of sliding bevels. This tool consists of two parts. The first is usually made of durable wood and is often times referred to as the stock. The other part, called the blade, is crafted of tempered steel. The blade is built with a slit in the middle, which allows the tradesman to mark the correct angle onto the actual piece of wood he is working on. The two sides can be adjusted to determine the proper angle of a structure.

This form of woodworking hand tool was developed over two-thousand years ago and remains in use because of the reliability and many uses it gives to the carpenter. Many of the more recently built sliding bevels come with a tab that allows it to be easily converted into a steel square. This makes the woodworking tool even more beneficial to anyone using it. This tool has remained a fixture in wood working shops for centuries and will remain there for its tremendous amount of uses.

The hand woodworking tools that craftsmen use has pretty much stayed the same for centuries. This may be in large part to the specific tasks each one performs. The durability of the tools also allows builders to feel comfortable using them. Many tradesmen will hold on to their tools for an entire lifetime because of the familiarity with them.  

This allows them to create their pieces without having to worry about the quality of their woodworking tools. Until someone comes up with a new and improved version of carpentry tools, you should assume the hand woodworking tools would remain the same for years to come!