There's one school of thought that says, "Never measure unless you have to," implying that a good eye, reference marks notched on a stick, and piece cut to match piece in a satisfying progression are all the guidance you need. After all, a woodworking project has a life of its own and does not need to conform to cold engineering tolerances.
However, most of us need the comforting support of a straightedge metal rule minutely marked in 16ths of inches or millimeters, a try square, and a spirit level.
We know that the axiom "Measure twice, cut once" has become the ultimate cliche of the woodworking craft only because it is true.
Woodworkers take great pride in their measuring tools —a glinting array of etched steel and burnished rosewood—and it is upon their precise application that the success and pleasure of a project ultimately depend.
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