I was planning to write about measuring devices, but I realized that there is deeper issue to cover first. The tool you choose is important, but first you need to understand the level of precision you really want.
If you’re estimating the size of your yard, you really don’t need to worry about the exact number of feet and inches – the approximate square footage will do. On the other hand, if you are fitting cabinets into a recess, you will want to measure it down to the 16th of an inch, or more if you are very particular.
We all operate at different levels of precision. The question is; what is right for you and your project? If I am making a jewelry box, does it really matter whether the box is exactly 12” long? Or is 12¼” close enough? I don’t think the eventual owner will care as long as the box is well made and esthetically pleasing.
My father–in-law was always very precise in his woodworking. After years in the foundry business, he tended to think in thousands of an inch. That translated into very well made projects that took a long time to build. It made me a little crazy to work with him since I’m just the opposite – I tend to build from the inside out and cut each piece to fit with the others. It’s more important to me to sweat the way the parts fit together than worry about the exact dimensions.
Once you’ve thought about how precise you need or want to be, here are a few tips to help you reduce errors and enjoy measuring more:
- Use a sharp pencil or knife to mark – there is no point in buying an expensive ruler with minute increments and then using a dull pencil that makes a line an inch wide.
- Always use the same ruler or tape for the whole project. There may be small variations from one ruler to another or you may vary your measuring technique going from a tape to ruler to square.
- Invest in quality – if you are going to use a ruler, use a good one.
- Transfer dimensions rather than measuring. I seldom look at the scale on my caliper, but I use it all the time to reproduce exact measurements. Or make a story stick and set the ruler aside.
- Don’t measure! Try using the completed components as your guide rather than your plans.
- Measure twice, cut once. I know, you’ve heard it before. But it’s true.
If all you need is a yardstick to make great projects you are very fortunate. If you are prone to high tech measuring devices and 3 decimal precision, you can approach perfection; just don’t let it get in the way when it really isn’t necessary.
As for me, I’ve noticed that as I get older, I’m less fussy. Maybe a magnifying glass with my ruler…
