If you’re just starting out with woodworking, here are some basic measuring and marking tools you should have.
Measuring tape
Having a tape measure handy helps you take measurements as you go. Tape measures are available in “Imperial” format or “Standard”/metric version. Typical lengths are 16, 25 and 30 feet.
Ruler
Always keep at least one good ruler in your shop. You’ll use a ruler for a wide range of tasks, including drawing plans, measuring materials, aligning a table saw wing, and checking surface smoothness, among other things. It is always better to invest in a steel ruler.
Combined Square
If you are just starting out in carpentry, buying a combination square is an excellent investment.
A combination square will help you measure 90° and 45° angles, determine flatness, measure the center of a circular bar, and mark your work surface.
A classic combination square consists of: 1) a square head and 2) a steel rule. By sliding the square head along the steel ruler, it is possible to measure depth or transfer dimensions.
framing square
A framing square (also called a steel square or carpenter’s square) is also another handy tool to have. It is made of steel and consists of 2 arms: a long arm and a short arm that are joined at 90°.
Having a square will allow you to measure any building layout you need. Frame squares can usually be found with a 24-inch blade and a 16-inch tab. There are also smaller ones but they come without the framing boards.
marking gauge
The marking gauge is used to mark lines before cutting. Allows you to draw a line parallel to a reference edge. Generally, the marking gauge consists of a beam, a head, a pen, a pin, a wheel, and a knife.
scratch awl
The scraping awl is basically a steel spike with a sharp point. It carves a shallow groove into the wood that you can follow when using a handsaw or chisel.
sliding bezel
By using a sliding bevel, cutting wood will be much, much easier and smoother. The sliding bezel is basically an indicator that allows you to set and transfer angles. It consists of a handle, usually made of wood or plastic, connected to an adjustable metal blade.
Knife
Tea razor The cutting tool is classically used by chair makers. It usually consists of a straight blade 8 to 12 inches long and perpendicular handles at each end.
Tea Free (also called lathe ax and splitting knife) is a tool used for riveting or splitting. The froe has a straight blade 8 to 12 inches long and a perpendicular handle at its end.
Tea scorpio it is a knife with an almost completely circular blade. Very useful for hollowing out bowls and similar objects.
Tea utility knife it is a retractable blade knife that is sheathed inside a metal handle. Available in all kinds of sizes, the utility knife is used in carpentry to cut all kinds of materials.
clock meter
The dial indicator is a gauge with a dial reading in hundredths or thousandths of an inch. You can use it to measure the depth of a hole. It is an ideal tool to use for precision measurements of mortises and cylindrical tenons.