Measure Twice, Cut Once
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- This topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 2 weeks, 1 day ago by Joe Knowles.
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Hello Everyone,
I’m really looking forward to continuing to share my woodworking adventure with this group. Today, I want to focus on something that was said to me early in my journey: too simple but Oh so powerfu l— measure twice, cut once.
And why:
Accuracy: Check your measurements against each other. That way, there are no errors and the measurements are correct. Simple practice can keep you from making those little and costly mistakes, allowing your pieces to fit perfectly.
Material Conservation: Accurate measurements on your wood help you save both monetary and natural resources by not wasting any. A good measurement will prevent the chance of you cutting a piece of waste too short or too long in length, which results in material waste and means another wasteful trip to the store.
Efficiency in Time: Saves time spent to correct errors to a measurable minimum, with more time spent on physical woodworking. Doing the same pieces over often tends to be a timely frustration for most people; with measuring twice, that mistake can often be avoided with a lot of time saved to complete projects that much sooner.
Tips for Measuring Accurately:Have the Right Tools: High-quality tools, at least, are made by consideration of a measuring tape, a combo square, besides a ruler that is of good quality. The advantage of better-quality tools is increased accuracy and a longer lifespan
Clearly Mark: You should use a pencil with a pointed tip or marking knife to make your lines sharp. Clear and accurate marks will allow you to make your cuts on point.
Double-Check Before Cutting: Always double-check measurements before making a cut. This simple step can save headaches and wasted material.
Think About the Kerf: Remember that the thickness of the saw blade will take out a small amount of material; this thickness is called the kerf. So when you’re taking your measurements, keep that in mind to have correct measurements.
With a little extra time taken to confirm measurements you can save huge amounts of time and a lot of frustration. This very simple yet powerful advice has been hugely influential for me, and I hope it can be for you too. I look forward to learning more from the community and sharing all kinds of tips in the future.
Happy woodworking!
22 September 2024 at 11:57 pm #850522Hello
I agree with all that you stated and would like to add my advice to our fellow woodworkers. The very first piece of wood you start working for a piece of furniture or box etc. is and will be the sum of all other parts for the piece you are building. That very first piece must be flat, square, and perpendicular. Many new woodworkers find out the hard way that the sum of all parts means all the parts. If one can afford great tools then get them but great tools without practicing good woodworking fundamentals will only result in bad looking pieces built with really good tools. Thanks for reading and I truly hope this helps someone. -
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