Measuring and Layout: Basics of Woodworking

Wood working has been in vogue since the Neolithic age, even before the recorded history. Woodworking or the art of using wood to build and carve items of utility has progressed rapidly from the prehistoric epoch and has played a major role in the development of the modern age civilization.

A large part of a successful woodworking excursion involves the right measuring and lay outing implementations. It is well known that planning and correct measurements and layouts help in organizing and efficiently executing the project. Not to mention, the correct selection of tools for use and an in depth understanding of the wood also plays a great role in the ultimate success of the woodworking project. .

There are numerous woodworking measuring and layout tools available in the market, which have evolved from the measuring and layout tools used by the primordial man ages ago. Amongst the earliest and the oldest measuring and layouting tools used by man, the knotted cord deserves a special mention. This was used by the ancient Egyptians, Ancient Inca Empire and Ancient Greeks and served as their measuring and layout tool. The ancient surveyors used the knotted cord to measure area distances.

The knotted cord is basically a length of cord with knots at regular intervals. This primitive measuring and layout tool was succeeded by its chain version, which was more precise and accurate. It also scored an advantage over its ancestor in the fact that it did not stretch with the passage of time.

The universally found measuring tape, a familiar tool for measuring and layout amongst woodworkers has evolved from the knotted cord. This tape is simply a ruler, which can be rolled out over an area, then rolled back once a measurement reading is taken.

These days there are various types of measuring tapes manufactured by different brands. They all possess different attributes and characteristics. Some boost of a laser pointer, for added guidance, while the others display a “memory” function, which enable multiple measurements in one go.

However, the fundamental concept behind the measuring tape is similar to that of its predecessor knotted cord. The measuring tapes are quite accurate and error free as a measuring and layout tool.

Another type of measuring and layout tool in existence is the calipers. Often mistaken for the compass due to their appearance, they are actually suitable for taking detailed measurements. Calipers help in imbibing more accuracy and precision in the measuring and layout work as they are able to compute measurements within a 0-6”, 0-150 mm range, with an accuracy measure of up to 0.001" or ± 0.02 mm.

These days digital calipers are commonly available and help in making the measuring and layout jobs quick, simple and more accurate.

The measuring and layout tools are very important in woodworking and help in the making of correctly fitting wood pieces. They also ensure that the project is accurate in terms of measurement, thereby ensuring the success of the job.

The combination of the right tool for the right job is quite important for the desired result, nonetheless proper measuring is also crucial to ensure the success of the woodworking excursion.