Best Tools for Accurate Marking and Measuring When Woodworking

Been a Carpenter for years now, I love vids like, aways find something super useful that I hadn't thought of. Thank you!

Great video - RUclips hasn’t given me alerts of your last several videos. I thought you weren’t making them. Today’s my catch up day! 👍

I too had a problem of "not finding anything" while working, so I built a small "temp box" 18 x 8 x 6 out of scrap wood. It has a lid, a baffle & a vertical pencil holder. Now whenever I use the hand tools, drills, screws etc. on a given project, I place them back into the temp box . Surprise! They are there when I want to use them again. It has saved me a lot of "where the heck did I put it" time. Also handy for clean ups.

I agree with everyone except for "sandwich guy" I always get something from your videos and it does not cost me a dime. Thanks Tamar, I now have my eyes on some nice upgrades thanks to you.

Tamar, this is SUCH a great video! Love the eye contact, all information was given in a straightforward manner, no bs, no rambling. You have a great personality and are incredibly smart. I have been following you for a while and will continue to do so. Thanks for the video! Love from Brazil

You are a wonderful credit to the woodworking world! Your enthusiasm and tool knowledge are amazing. As I have been a woodworker for around 50;years, I have accumulated many of the tools you described, … but… you made a good point regarding some of the measuring/marking tools, so I’m heading online to put an order in. Thanks for the great presentation. PS Wait until spring to work on the lattice repair 😉

Cool video explaining it all clearly. And your enthusiasm is contagious! Greetings from Poland!

A very rare video which makes recomendations on both quality tools and DIY - light options from the same company.
Please accept my follow. Bravo.

Your enthusiasm makes your videos fun and interesting. A bright smile and twinkle in your eyes help too. I never get bored halfway through. Thanks for your delightful presentation and information.

Tamar, thank you for doing these videos, they are so helpful and you, my dear, are a true treasure! Your enthusiasm is infectious!

I always find your videos informative, relevant and your skill is plain to see. Added to your energised and enthusiastic delivery they are always a pleasure to watch. That someone would wish to denigrate you is a reflection on their own shortcomings and good on you for pinning the comment to expose them.
Thanks for showing a rust solution as I have had a few issues there as well, my shed is just metal walls and an uneven dirt floor.

Great video! Woodworking for many many years and totally respected what you projected in the video. It took a great number of years before I had the courage to invest in good measurement and layout tools. I'm 65 and it wasn't until the last 4 years I bought into a couple of Woodpeckers squares extremely well made but overpriced (my opinion, mainly due to shipping costs to Canada).
I don't start a project until I have one of their squares in hand. I have a bunch of Starett squares left to me from my father-in-law that I restored and cherish and use as well.

I really liked the tip about scribing a line with an awl to line up fortsner bit holes. Thanks for the video!

I think I’ve watched 4 or 5 of your videos after getting home from work. I absolutely love the enthusiasm you have towards wood working and diy crafts.

You came prepared, a soldier who knows her field well. I just love how articulate you break down your demonstrations. Big Ups to you once again. @Chooper you need to take that BACK!!!!

I Don't have time for your bigger projects but videos like this are SOOOO helpful. Thanks and realize how many people you make happy.

Tamar, from Pakistan, got chance to see your amazing knowledge first time. great job

Thank you for your relaxing attitude and yes, you have opened my eyes to the accuracy or lack there of, of my set squares. Thank you for your very informative video.

Im liking your no-nonsense way, and always good info; at 10:00 you are describing a marking guage, but it is really a cutting guage. I like these better than a marking guage because it slices the wood rather than pressing a dent or scratching the surface. I got a cutting guage but it has a ROUND HEAD machine screw at the end. What can I do when making a mark closer than 1/8"? It needs a FLAT HEAD screw to be useful in close quarters. In marking the depth of a mortise, and a many more instances!

Leaf blowers, lawn mowers, music blasting cars, noisy big trucks, sirens, neighbors barking dogs or kids screaming.....the list could go on ad infinitum....the bane of any RUclipsr. Great video, my friend!

What I love about Tamar’s product placement is that they contain helpful info and I always learn something!

I love the energy and excitement you bring to these videos and this craft.

I've had that Kapro magnetic square for a few years now and you're the first RUclipsr I've seen mention it! I got more excited than I care to admit to see it show up.

Amen on checking squares. I inherited a square..my only square at the time...and spent a year producing joints that never quite lined up.

So glad I found this channel. Very informative and your personality is absolutely wonderful.

Watched this video while balancing on my new balance board, made by your instructions :-) Thanks for the great advice. Especially regarding the marking knife. Time for me to go to my wife to explain why there is a couple of tools I can not live without.

How to align steel Carpenter's Square.
I was blessed to have a very old steel Carpenter's Square andusing the method you demonstrated learned it was out of square. The Square had a history of over 100 years of use and was worthy of adjustment. I corrected the steel square by "hammering" steel punch dimple(s). In my case the square angle was acute (

My dad was a tool & die maker and I inherited his vernier calliper. My eldest started engineering school last year and I gave him my dad’s calliper; he would have wanted it that way as he always wanted me to be an engineer.
This year I started woodworking and saw folks using a calliper and I thought; drat I had one of those.
I don’t begrudge giving it to my eldest. I am proud of them for going to engineering school.

I’m new to woodworking and recently found your channel. Thank you for a great attitude, useful content, and educating with a positive and ego free approach. This is another great video 👍

I love tools , so when you or anyone else show some new gadgets I am drooling . . . You have my complete attention .
You have inspired me to brave the cold and work outside more. I see your red hands and nose and I can't help but think what a "wimp" I am being when I refuse to work outside in cold weather.
back to tools : love the marking knife and I never knew that the longer blades were better for the tight places. Thanks for sharing this one Tamar .

Great video! I video suggestion: a video about the tools, jigs, tables, etc. that you have made to create your shop. A lot of the tools you have are self made like your cross cut sleds. Those tools then help make your next project or tool. I think a video discussing which items to make first would help a lot of people.
A general rule of thumb: chemical reaction rates increase by 2x every 10 degrees (C). So, if you did your rust removal soaking inside or in a heated space it should go much faster.

Thanks for sharing with us. Keep doing whatever you are doing. Great job Ms.

Your videos are delightful, as are you, done very well, and are very much appreciated. Thank you. Be well. ~Robert

WD-40 and woodcraft are lucky to have you. Thanks as always.

Great video. You provide good info, and demonstrate very well. I do like that you include video where it is reality. Like when you took the square ruler out of the WD-40 liquid, and we saw the experience you had with it, such discovery that what you that was rust still on there, was actually some black “stuff” and was easily removed. You also say that you don’t need all these tools, this is what you need to start out, and as you get better you can use tools that help accuracy.

I love your videos. I have been woodworking for years and every time I see one, I learn something! Keep up the great work.

Your enthusiasm is infectious. Thanks for the video

I am new to wood working. And I’m really loving your videos. Thanks for doing what you do

Great video - as are all of your videos... concise, no music!!, informative, down to earth... And I always check out your recommendations! Also, not sure if was mentioned already, but the fast cap measuring tape, in addition to being of fantastic quality, also reads right to left and left to right, which I find VERY convenient.
Please keep up the great work!

You always act like you're "one of us". Love it. Thanks

I have Countless tips saved from your Awesome Videos Tamar! Always Inspiring and Thank you as Always. Enjoy your holidays

The metal square you tossed in the trash, I’ve corrected one twice the size using a metal punch. Simply see which corner of the elbow, the inside or the outside, is less than 90-degrees. Then using a hammer and punch put create a dimple. It make take a good wallop with the hammer, and maybe more than one dimple on the acute angle side. But I corrected a 24” metal square with one dimple that took only two medium hammer blows.

Thanks, Tamar. I didn't know about the Shinwa bevel gauge. And your tip on the marking knife is hugely helpful. And I didn't know about the WD40 rust products. Keep teaching!

I've only recently got into woodworking. Always have done general home repair and such. Been converting a school bus into a tiny home and slowly my skills have improved. My work isn't the best, but I've gotten really good at hiding mistakes. It's really hard to build things square when the bus isn't square. I'll keep trying though. Thank you for your videos and suggestions for tools. Though I do use a scratch awl and decent square (learned from my dad decades ago).

I've seen many reviews before and this one was very well presented showing both pro's and con's, well done

I have learned quickly "in my short woodworking endeavor" that accuracy is a big part. It does not need to be down to the Nano, but "close enough" is not good either. Having quality, accurate measuring and marking tools makes my woodworking journey so much easier. Me being somewhat of a perfectionist does not hurt much either. lol
Thanks for sharing this video Tamar... looking forward to the next one.

First time viewer here, your video was very informative and in depth, and was very enjoyable with your great personality and happiness you pour out over your experience and love for your tools that you share with your viewers.
I'm in commercial construction professionally, but am wanting to try my hand at making my own furniture or crafts. Definitely will be watching your videos from now on.
Subscribed, and will be looking for your next videos!

Tamar. Don't know where you came from. Don't know where you are today and I don't know where you are going.
I only know that I found your site a few weeks or a month or so ago, and that if I am feeling pissed with the way the world turns at the moment, there is something about you, how you explain things, what you do, your practicality and your humerous reality of a very human presence that makes me feel more comfortable in my own skin.
Thank's Tamar and best wishes for 2021 to you and yours, whoever and wherever they are. Last time I heard your name it was as a river in Plymouth UK, crossed by a ferry and a bridge, and I always enjoyed spending time with that river's natural flow, too.

I'm just starting my woodworking journey so this was a really useful insight into marking tools. Cheers.

Excellent video. For a slightly more environmentally friendly alternative to WD-40, a very thin coating of jojoba oil on your tools will prevent rust too. A tiny bottle lasts about a decade.

Two things - good combo squares have a little nib in them that allow you to adjust squareness - file the nib to bring back into alignment. Also, when faced with derusting something like a metal straight edge (because wood don't rust), I use a piece of PVC pipe with a cap cemented on one end. Uses minimal rust remover, and makes it easy to pour back again.

A Starrett square is top drawer. Amen!
Good advice all around. Thank you.

Tamar I just love watching your videos. You are so upbeat. Keep up the great work. Ha from Texas.

Hey Tamar! Just working my way through your videos. Love your enthusiasm and the way you present things - very down to earth.
Ignore the critics would ya? I'm willing to bet these nasty people have accomplished the square root of nothing in their own lives.
Keep up the good work!

That sliding into frame intro was epic!!!!

Hi a thank you for making these from Europe, I enjoy your videos, I learn a lot and your personality and accent are great 👍

Great job! This was a very informative video. I watched it twice. Thank you

Yes!!! An accurate square is absolutely essential. In my early woodworking days, I too had a square from "Larger Hate"...that thing was slightly off and I was frustrated for months trying figure why none of my cuts off a miterbox was not square. Making a friggin' frame was a first project and I couldn't even get that right! It was demoralizing. Then my gf at the time was making something and just used the miterbox without making sure it was square after the cut and making "corrections" to the pieces...she got a perfect box right off the bat. I was so miffed...I checked her box with the Larger Hate square and sure enough, there was a gap. It all clicked at that point...it was the dang tool the whole time. Well, maybe I was the tool because I didn't think to check it! Arg!!!!! I still buy stuff from that store, but only things I can get away with being inaccurate.

I am up here watching Tamar's videos at 5am because I couldn't sleep. Then I ended up reading the sandwich guy. Glad to see you guys sent him packing. I added a couple of my thoughts to chaperon him while he tries to find his spot under the rock.

Thanks for the love T! Great video!

You’re an inspiration! I have just bought my first live edge (pippy oak) slab and making a dresser top. First time I have done anything like it. Owe a lot to you!

I just got one of those lefty/righty tape measures at woodcraft. My FAVORITE tape measure!

Nice video and thanks a lot for always answer to the comment you are one of the few taking time to answer people writing you. Keep up the good work and happy new year.

Little known trick with framing squares. There is a small hole punched at the inside corner of the 90. The reason for this is so it can be "tuned". Don't toss that square, "tune" it and make it square! Framing squares have SOOOO many great uses and are a critical tool! Check out some "framing square tuning" videos on RUclips. Thanks for all the other tips!

Hello ,Tamar , thank you for the many helpful Videos.Wishing you and your Family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with more Videos and stay healthy .Best wishes from Germany

I'm a little late but I was looking for some good measuring tools. Great video!

How can someone dislike this video, 🤔, jealousy kills.
Happy holidays Tamar, God bless you and your whole family. 😊

I have been using an old folding linoleum knife as a marking knife. It has a nice long hawk bill blade. I keep it on hand as my favorite pocket knife

Great suggestion Tamar. Thanks! I suggest a tape measure with fractional markings. Also useful is a one edge with metric segmentation.

Love all the marking tools. I agree with that tape, found it recently and I love it!!

Great info Tamar, i myself use WD40 at work to clean my tools, a lot of my coworkers make fun of me, but i tell them. Clean tools are Happy Tools.
Have a blessed day.

I appreciate the video! This is an area I haven't run across too much guidance; very informative.

Another fun and informative video. I like to see what tools other makers favor. Would be fun if a bunch of you got together and had a sort of tool shoot out.

Muy buenos consejos 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 me encanta lo que compartes, esto nos hace más fácil la vida, un abrazo desde Cancún México 🇲🇽

All great advice. I too prefer the accuracy of marking knives over pencils and eschewing rulers for measurement, but when I do need to position something by a measurement, my Incra T-Rule can be indispensable. It is for example the ultimate tool for laying out cabinet doors for handle drilling.

Great video as always, 3 tools that I use regularly for marking are a digital angle rule, automatic punch and my favourite is a digital height tool ( don’t know it’s real name) used for router and blade height but I use it mostly for transferring measurements as it’s so accurate

That cleaned up really well! Thanks!

Very comprehensive, detailed and useful information. Many thanks for your great work and sharing. 🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👍👍👍

For measuring and marking , vintage tools really shine. Buying with care at yard sales and thrift stores can save a lot. The quality and craftsmanship of older stuff is head and shoulders above modern tools. Just be careful about wear, although a worn out square also makes great wall deco....

Soaking rusty tools in white vinegar works wonders- it’s impossible to describe how good it works. And it’s cheap. Try about an hour. I avoid petroleum products whenever possible- nasty stuff. AWESOME vids. Thanks!!

Tamar this was an adorable, funny, video with you looking and sounding like you're in a candy store lol........always love watching your channel. Thanks for sharing !!

Omg... hahaha. For some reason seeing that square landing in the trash can had me chuckling...

Thanks for the video! Not 100% sure about aluminum squares but you can definitely tune a steel square with a center punch and a hammer instead sending it to the landfill.

The grey pad is either Very Fine or Ultra Fine Silicone Carbide. White pads are the non abrasive one. This is from one who spent 40+ years in the abrasive industry.
I'm hooked by how you solve the problems you find in projects...

Great video, Tamar! 😃
Thanks for all the tips!!!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

Great video as always! I love your stuff and have been learning from you for some time now. I’m still but a splinter in the great oak tree of woodworking but with some these recommendations I could definitely up my game. Thanks again and keep up the great work! And yes, I agree with you about the lattice. 👍👍👍

Thanks for the great recommendations! I just purchased the DFM small square which I am sure will be very helpful!!

I think you just populated my Christmas list!! Thanks!!

Thanks for this video! I bought myself more than I should have but I feel good about what I ordered because of your enthusiasm. I think I'm also hoping your recommendations will miraculously boost my capabilities. Thanks for sharing you can't find anything cuz I can't either but my only excuse is it's a first year for my garage conversion. On the other hand I don't have three kids & a hubby to care for so not a good excuse. 😒 Happy holidays & new year! Stay safe & healthy & make more videos!😜

I'm not trying to defend "Barber Plate" but when I watch you scribe the flip-over line at 0:56 - 0:59, it looks like you wobbled the square while drawing the line. Am I wrong?

12:00 OMG I've been wondering what's the purpose of that tiny toothpick for YEARS!!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you so much for that!

I'm gonna go buy that flat back marking knife right now. I have the beveled marking knife and have been struggling with the exact issue you described. Fixed another one! Thanks!

Great ideas for Christmas gift!! Thanks!

First vid of yours I’ve seen, awesome and really informative

Not many impress me but you definitely do. Keep a cool tool, Tamar.

I thoroughly enjoy your tool savvy Ms.T. I'm sure to pick up a few for the future!!

Great video, and thank you for all the links, a lot of time and work went into this video and I appreciate you sharing your experiences with each tool.

Happy Hanukkah, Tamar. Fun video. And stay warm.

Fast cap tape measures are sooooooo much better than anything else for carpentry. Been buying them ever since I saw you using one. $7 each you can't lose.