I recently put down some baseboards in my house. I have a Lufkin tape
measure that doesn't have the "Add 3 inches" notation on the case for
inside measurements, as did my old Stanley, which fell apart.

Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut? I have a carpenters rule, but it is not nearly
long enough.

In fitting a board, I would do a rough measure, cut off a couple of
inches, then and inch, then a half inch, and so on. It gets time
consuming and I'd like to speed the process up. I even thought about
using the Pythagorean theorem, since I know the hypotenuse and one side.

If you don't want to spring for a tape measure (not sure I understand
that!), how about measuring to within a foot of the width, mark on the
floor or wall and measure the remaining distance? OR, use two long thin
sticks like you'd use to measure diagonals during a glue-up of a frame,
etc. (a gauge bar)

Dave

Buck Turgidson wrote:

I recently put down some baseboards in my house. I have a Lufkin tape
measure that doesn't have the "Add 3 inches" notation on the case for
inside measurements, as did my old Stanley, which fell apart.

Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut? I have a carpenters rule, but it is not nearly
long enough.

In fitting a board, I would do a rough measure, cut off a couple of
inches, then and inch, then a half inch, and so on. It gets time
consuming and I'd like to speed the process up. I even thought about
using the Pythagorean theorem, since I know the hypotenuse and one side.

Buck Turgidson wrote:


Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut?

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32585&cat=1,43513

Have fun,
Barry

If the case isn't exactly three inches, why not just measure it and add
that to the reading. It might not be some convenient value like 3",
but whatever it is, you should be able to add it to the inside
measurement.

In article 1119888104.837a36b0a7418d86d2e5bbb7579475bb@teran ews,
Buck Turgidson wrote:
I recently put down some baseboards in my house. I have a Lufkin tape
measure that doesn't have the "Add 3 inches" notation on the case for
inside measurements, as did my old Stanley, which fell apart.

Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut? I have a carpenters rule, but it is not nearly
long enough.

In fitting a board, I would do a rough measure, cut off a couple of
inches, then and inch, then a half inch, and so on. It gets time
consuming and I'd like to speed the process up. I even thought about
using the Pythagorean theorem, since I know the hypotenuse and one side.



Cut off a stick at exactly 10" or some other handy length. Butt
the stick up against one side of the wall or whatever, and use the
tape to measure to the other end of the stick. Then add 10 to the
length you read on the tape.


--

Larry Wasserman Baltimore, Maryland

If the case isn't exactly three inches, why not just measure it and
add
that to the reading. It might not be some convenient value like 3",
but whatever it is, you should be able to add it to the inside
measurement.

Yes, but the problem is the tape measure case is rounded, not square. I
didn't look at the thing closely enough before buying it. I just
assumed it could do inside measurements.

Since baseboard doesn't come much longer than 16', a new
tape is in order. Cutting and fitting baseboard is a
"learned skill" and really requires practice.

With another person helping, you should be able to get
it very tight on the first cut. I also assume you cope
all corners.



Buck Turgidson wrote:

I recently put down some baseboards in my house. I have a Lufkin tape
measure that doesn't have the "Add 3 inches" notation on the case for
inside measurements, as did my old Stanley, which fell apart.

Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut? I have a carpenters rule, but it is not nearly
long enough.

In fitting a board, I would do a rough measure, cut off a couple of
inches, then and inch, then a half inch, and so on. It gets time
consuming and I'd like to speed the process up. I even thought about
using the Pythagorean theorem, since I know the hypotenuse and one side.

"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
news:1119888104.837a36b0a7418d86d2e5bbb7579475bb@t eranews...
I recently put down some baseboards in my house. I have a Lufkin tape
measure that doesn't have the "Add 3 inches" notation on the case for
inside measurements, as did my old Stanley, which fell apart.

Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut? I have a carpenters rule, but it is not nearly
long enough.

In fitting a board, I would do a rough measure, cut off a couple of
inches, then and inch, then a half inch, and so on. It gets time
consuming and I'd like to speed the process up. I even thought about
using the Pythagorean theorem, since I know the hypotenuse and one side.

Get a nine inch trout, cut it in thirds. cut each third into thirds. Now you
can tape these pieces on the side of your tape measure in lieu of the
marking. To know how many inches to add just count the fish pieces.

-j

Pat Barber wrote:
I also assume you cope
all corners.

Outside, too? G

Barry

"Buck Turgidson" wrote

If the case isn't exactly three inches, why not just measure it and
add
that to the reading. It might not be some convenient value like 3",
but whatever it is, you should be able to add it to the inside
measurement.

Yes, but the problem is the tape measure case is rounded, not square. I
didn't look at the thing closely enough before buying it. I just
assumed it could do inside measurements.


As someone who owns at least fifteen tape measures, I don't understand.
When I owned a single one, I could never find it. The multiple tape measure
approach solves many problems. Including;

1) Bright colors, makes them easier to find.

2) Metric tape, everybody needs at least one.

3) Big tapes, little tapes, you need different sizes for different projects.

4) A tape measure and inexpensive calipers in the car and truck. You never
know when you need to "fine spec" something when out in the world.
(especially metal) The calpers are good for matching lumber thicknesses.
These are only approximate now.

5) Good luck charm. I have an old thirty year old stanley that has a big
gash and dent across it. This occured when walking through a shop once and
some idiot managed to vibrate a metal tool into aa active table saw blade.
The tool shot across the room with bullet speed and struck the tape measure
body on my belt over some very sensitive internal organs. It protected me
once and I still wear it often with great fondness. It saved my ass once and
I just plain like the old ugly guy.

6) Different tapes make different jobs easier. I remember when I had to
reroof the garage and the tapes I had just did not work that well. I went
down to the store and bought another one. It worked great. I figured that I
saved hours and a lot of aggravation by getting a new tape.

7) Junk tapes are needed, to placate those pesty neighbors and relatives. I
keep a junk box for old, junky tools. The sign above it says Loaner Tools.
Nobody gets to borrow the good tools. The more aristocratic you are with
your tools, the longer they will remain in your possesion and the better
shape they will be in.

8) You need a big, purty one for the wife. Otherwise she will keep stealing
yours. Get her a big pretty one and she will leave the others alone.

So my advice to you Buck, is to BUY SOME MORE TAPE MEASURES!!

It ain't like you are spending the money on a girlfriend or anything.
Besides if you are ever going to become a competent wood dorker, you need to
learn some essential skills. Including BUYING MORE TOOLS!!

end of rant

"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
news:1119888104.837a36b0a7418d86d2e5bbb7579475bb@t eranews...
I recently put down some baseboards in my house. I have a Lufkin tape
measure that doesn't have the "Add 3 inches" notation on the case for
inside measurements, as did my old Stanley, which fell apart.

Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut? I have a carpenters rule, but it is not nearly
long enough.

GEEEEEZ are you trolling here? You do wood working and are considering not
replacing your tape measure????

Now for the answer. Buy the tape measure and mark out from one corner 1'
then measure from the opposite corner to that 1' mark and add 1' to you
findings.

"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
Yes, but the problem is the tape measure case is rounded, not square. I
didn't look at the thing closely enough before buying it. I just
assumed it could do inside measurements.

As long as the bottom has a flat spot it will be consistent with whatever
size it is.

No... He has to cut the miter(hope he has a 12" CMS).

B a r r y wrote:

Pat Barber wrote:

I also assume you cope
all corners.


Outside, too? G

Barry

Cut it a quarter inch long. If you can get it to jam a foot away from
where it's supposed to be, cut off another 1/8." If you're 6" away
from the wall, cut off a 16th. Just don't cut off too much.

"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
news:1119888104.837a36b0a7418d86d2e5bbb7579475bb@t eranews...
I recently put down some baseboards in my house. I have a Lufkin tape
measure that doesn't have the "Add 3 inches" notation on the case for
inside measurements, as did my old Stanley, which fell apart.

Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut? I have a carpenters rule, but it is not nearly

Why not measure the length of the tape measure case you have and write the
length on the side of the case in indelible ink... even if it's an odd-ball
length, as compared to a nice round 3", you can still add it to the measured
length.

John

In article ,
B a r r y wrote:
Pat Barber wrote:
I also assume you cope
all corners.

Outside, too? G

Outside corners call for de-cope-age.

First, the cat has to be sleeping. Second, you have to be able to get
down on all fours, supporting your bod on your fingertips and toes.
Crouch as low as you can get without dragging the belly on the floor.
Move by first moving your fingertips a few inches, then the same with
your toes. Continue this until you see the cat's ear twitch. Then
scream at the top of your lungs as you launch your body is the cat's
direction. Hopefully, the cat will launch itself in the opposite
direction before you get there. Squished pussycats are good only for
push sticks. Hope this helps.
mahalo,
jo4hn

jo4hn wrote:

First, the cat has to be sleeping. Second, you have to be able to get
down on all fours, supporting your bod on your fingertips and toes.
Crouch as low as you can get without dragging the belly on the floor.
Move by first moving your fingertips a few inches, then the same with
your toes. Continue this until you see the cat's ear twitch. Then
scream at the top of your lungs as you launch your body is the cat's
direction. Hopefully, the cat will launch itself in the opposite
direction before you get there. Squished pussycats are good only for
push sticks. Hope this helps.
mahalo,
jo4hn

Sorry for the misread. Cat cut. Who's to know?
j4

On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 12:01:39 -0400, "Buck Turgidson" wrote:

I recently put down some baseboards in my house. I have a Lufkin tape
measure that doesn't have the "Add 3 inches" notation on the case for
inside measurements, as did my old Stanley, which fell apart.

Short of getting a new tape measure, are there any secrets to measuring
for a long inside cut? I have a carpenters rule, but it is not nearly
long enough.

In fitting a board, I would do a rough measure, cut off a couple of
inches, then and inch, then a half inch, and so on. It gets time
consuming and I'd like to speed the process up. I even thought about
using the Pythagorean theorem, since I know the hypotenuse and one side.

I measure from where ever the tip is, of course, and run the tape across the
floor "past" the wall, bending it at a right angle at the wall.. kind of carpet
layer style.. the bend should be your accurate measurement..
This sounds awkward, but actually is fast and easy once you get used to it.. and
you don't have to bend over... (unless ya forget your glasses.. *g* )


mac

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