MEASURING AND LEVELING

      Accuracy and care in measuring are all important. They can mean the difference between a well-put-together project and a sloppy one.

Steel tape measure. 16' to 33' in length, this tool belongs in every home. A blade that is 1 " (or more) wide will be safer and easier to use. Those with cushioned bumpers protect the hook of the tape from damage - likely to occur when the tape retracts back into the case. The play in the hook allows you to make either internal or external measurements without having to compensate for the hook. Its flexibility allows it to measure round, contours, and other odd-shapes. When making internal measurements, add the measurement of the tape case, usually marked on the case.

Squares. Squares are flat tools with a straight edge, often shaped like an L, used for laying out work, checking for squareness during assembly, and marking angles. The carpenter's square, also called a framing square, is used for marking true perpendicular lines to be cut on boards and for squaring some corners, among other things. There are many shapes provided for suitable using such as square, rectangular, circular but all are just 8". However, the better types have a number of tables, conversions, and formulas stamped on the side to simplify many woodworking tasks.

Levels. Levels are used to make sure your work is truly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). The trick is to always use the longest level possible. The torpedo level is 8" or 9" in length, with vials that read level, plumb, and 45 degrees. It is used for small pieces of work. A two-to-four-foot level is a must for any home woodworking project, like building shelves or structural carpentry.

TIPS ON MEASURING

1.	When many pieces need to be cut and/or drilled the same, use one accurately cut or drilled piece as a template to mark all the others. However, for greatest accuracy, always rely on your tape measure.
2.	Remember the old maxim: "A good carpenter measures three times and cuts once."