The Essential Measuring & Layout Tools Every Woodworker Should Own
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Your measurements are only as precise as the line you draw. This pencil lays down a crisp, consistent line that doesn’t smudge like regular carpenter pencils. LINK HERE
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Starrett is legendary for accuracy. I use this when machinery setup demands absolute perfection. It’s also an excellent square for measuring and laying out woodworking cuts. LINK HERE
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Great for sharpening pencils or putting round overs on dowels. LINK HERE
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This pencil stays in a pencil pocket right in the middle of my workshop apron. I use it with virtually every project I do. LINK HERE
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Whether mixing epoxy or a custom finish, a digital scale in the workshop is a must have. Having a dedicated one for the shop will keep you out of the doghouse when you forget to return the one that belongs in the kitchen. LINK HERE
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This little guy lives in my apron pocket. It’s always at hand when I need a quick check for square or mark a line around the edge of a workpiece. LINK HERRE
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This feature rich level is a DIY essential. LINK HERE
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A must have for tool setup and when needing to verify something is dead straight. They are useful for a number of one-off functions in the shop too. LINK HERE
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This is an essential tool for marking out dovetails or mortise & tenons. Rob Cosmam’s version is an improvement of Woodriver’s marking guage. LINK HERE
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You cannot properly setup a jointer without a set of thickness gauges. LINK HERE
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Hardly a project goes by when I don’t reach for my digital calipers. This is my go-to for exact thickness checks, especially when dialing in fits and hardware. LINK HERE
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Spring divider calipers are the best way to layout dovetails. These are the ones I use. LINK HERE Tip: Get two if you’re laying out dovetails. You’ll need them for repeatability.
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This is the measuring tape I keep in my workshop apron. The tape stays when you pull it out and retracts with the push of a button. I give this slim tape measure two giant thumbs up. LINK HERE
