Blog
Posts from 12 October 2026
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Workshop
The combination square: ten jobs beyond checking square
Marking gauge, depth gauge, setting blade and bit height, checking a carcass and transferring sizes, all with one tool.
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Cutting and layout
Sheet and kerf: cutting so everything fits
Where the kerf goes, how to see whether parts will fit, cut order, tape against tearout and the five-cut test.
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Workshop
Cabinets without sums: holes, doors, drawers, shelves
One template for both sides, doors hung on packers, drawers checked with a stick, stiffer shelves and dovetails by eye.
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Workshop
Layout without a calculator: square, spacing and curves
Square from a tape, diagonals without reading numbers, splitting a board without dividing, arcs from a batten.
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Workshop
Marking and transferring sizes: triangle, story stick, knife
A triangle across the parts, a stick instead of a tape, a finger gauge, a knife line and sticks that show twist.
