Jack writes:
On 5/20/2019 2:15 AM, Bill wrote:


I can markup four boards of
the same length that way. There is no way I could do as well with a tape
measure, except for the first one.

Yes, the first one you likely will use a tape.

Not necessarily. I have 6", 1', 2' and 4' graduated straight
edges (starretts, mainly :-). They work quite well for the vast
majority of woodworking purposes.

No getting around using
a tape in woodwork,

I manage just fine with good straight edges. The Incra rules are good
if you can't find used Starrett gear at a reasonable price.

and I personally don't need, like or want those
dammed 1/32" marks.

Of the four I have (various stanley 25 footers, from 10 to 30 years old), none are graduated
in 32nds, even in the first foot.


I often reach for one of my steel squares--except when I head out shopping.

I've not seen a steel square with graduations I'd trust, myself; excepting
the Starretts.


My dad liked to keep (in the car) one of those old-fashioned 12' (?)
fold-up rules that I think were sometimes used for rough lumber. I
suggested that it might not be accurate, but he disagreed. Of course, he
didn't often make furniture, and I never saw him use one in the house.
Still I think that he liked it much the way you like your tape measure!


I have a few stanley boxwood folding rules and calipers, and they are quite
accurately graduated, all things considered.