Handy Woodworkers Near Me

Whether you’re an experienced carpenter or just getting started, woodworking is a useful skill. There are a number of online courses to help you learn the basics of carpentry or take your skills up a notch.

When you’re preparing for a DIY project, consider investing in tools that can make your work easier and safer. These items will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Carbide Scribe

A carbide scribe is a useful tool to have on hand, as it can be used for marking or indenting wood. It can also be used to scribing the grain of a piece of wood to prevent tear-out when cutting.

A scribe is often used with a square to make rough carpentry marks where pencils are not precise enough, or for scribing the grain of bare wood to help prevent tear-out during crosscuts. Having one of these tools in your toolbox can save you time and frustration later on.

The Taytools Carbide Scriber Pen is a great tool to have around the shop, as it can be used for making quick and accurate marks on any hard material such as steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, glass, ceramic and wood. It’s easy to use and holds well, with minimal pressure required to produce a line.

It also has a powerful magnet at its end which will quickly clean up stray metal shavings. The tungsten carbide tip is durable and makes accurate lines to 1/100 of an inch.

Story Pole Tape Measure

Story sticks have been used by craftsmen throughout history to record project details. They’re essentially a map of your project, complete with a data block that provides the exact dimensions for all parts of your project.

FastCap’s standard story pole tape measure (PSSP-FLAT16) has conventional English and metric measurements called out in 16ths on one edge of the blade, with a white spaced opposite edge for writing marks or notes directly on the tape. This is useful when you want to layout duplicate parts or mark a project’s dimensions.

It’s also helpful when you want to check for square on a project. Using the story pole’s hypotenuse (the other edge of the blade), you can use it to measure across a curve and verify that the angle is square. This is particularly handy for laying out the exact length of a support brace between two equidistant points on a right triangle bracket. It’s a great tool for carpenters and woodworkers.

Chalk Line

A chalk line, also known as a chalk reel or box, is a simple hand tool that consists of a metal or plastic case that stores a spool of string covered in powdered chalk. The string is unwound and stretched tight against a surface, then it’s snapped in the center to impart a chalk line on the surface.

Another common use for the chalk line is to mark long cuts in wood and concrete. For example, carpenters often use a chalk line to mark the length of sheets of plywood when ripping them from one end to the other.

Similarly, roofers use the chalk line to provide guide lines for installing shingles on roofs. The line can be used to provide accurate and straight cuts for a variety of materials, from brick to stone to concrete.

A great tip when using a chalk line is to measure and mark the edge of the material you’re working on at its very edge. This will make hooking the line onto it and applying tension much easier and more accurate.

Laser Level

A laser level is a handy tool that can help you complete a variety of projects quickly and accurately. Whether you’re installing pipe underground, hanging pictures, or building cabinets, having this device on hand can save you time and money.

There are many different types of laser levels, each with a variety of features and functions to suit your specific needs. For instance, if you’re working outdoors, you may want to choose a green laser level that can handle bright sunlight better.

Another thing to consider is the Ingress Protection rating, or IP, which tells you how well your laser level is protected from dust and water. This is important for preventing water damage that can lead to costly repairs.

The best way to use a laser level is to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. In addition, it’s a good idea to check the accuracy of your level regularly against a standard level and plumb line.