Sliding T-Bevel Layout Tools

Layout Tools for woodworking

Layout tools are essential for any woodworking project, whether it be a simple DIY fixer-upper or a more advanced furniture building endeavor. Layout tools help you measure and mark pieces of wood accurately, as well as layout the pieces to ensure they fit together perfectly. With layout tools such as measuring tapes, marking gauges, layout squares, and more, you can successfully layout your projects precisely and accurately.

Dividers and Compass
Vintage Rosewood and Brass Marking Gauge

Vintage Rosewood and Brass Marking Gauge

This is a nice example of a vintage rosewood and brass marking gauge. it has two main parts: the beam and the head. In this case, the side of the head is covered by a thick brass plate. There is a brass thumb screw on the top to tighten the head against the beam once … Read more

sliding T Bevel

A sliding T bevel is a useful tools for setting and transferring angles. This is a sample of a pair of rosewood and brass sliding t-bevels. One is seven inches long and the larger one is eleven inches. Both have rosewood handles with solid brass edge treatments. The smaller one uses a turn button to … Read more
Vintage Stanley 8" Try Square

Antique Vintage Stanley 8″ Steel Try Square

Antique Vintage Stanley 8″ Steel Try Square Antique Tools Rough. Has the Stanley triangle logo. Probably from an old school shop as the handle is painted green. It’s in rough used condition but has lots of character.

Types of Layout Tools

Folding Wood Rule

Folding Wood Rule

Steel Rule

Metal Folding Zig Zag Rule

Metal Zig Zag Rule

Folding zig-zag rules are available in both wood and metal. They are typically 72 inches long and fold up in either 6 inch or 12 inch sections.

Tape Measure

Measuring tapes are usually the most commonly used layout tool in woodworking. They come in both metric (millimeters) and imperial (inches) units and can range from 12” up to 35’ depending on the job requirements.

Marking Gauge

Marking Gauge

Marking gauges are also useful for layout tasks; this type of layout tool is used to mark lines along the length of a board.

Vintage Mortising Gauge

Mortising Gauge

Mortise gauges are also useful layout tools, and they’re typically used to lay out mortises or slots in wood.

Try Square

Try Square

Try-squares are great layout tools for tasks requiring an accurate right angle.

Combination Square

Combination squares allow you to lay out certain angles accurately, such as 45 and 90 degrees.

Framing Square

Sliding T-Bevel

Sliding T-Bevel

A sliding T bevel is used to set or transfer angles. Older ones were made of hardwoods such as rosewood with a steel blade and often brass trim or decorations.

Dividers or Compass

Dividers

Dividers can be used to divide work into equal parts, scribe lines parallel to other work or guides, and it can scribe lines for arcs or circles. The one pictured here also has a leg on one side that can be removed and replaced with a pencil so it also serves as a compass.

Compass for laying out circles and arcs.

Compass

A compass is used for laying out circles and arcs with a pencil.

Layout tools may vary from project to project but having a basic understanding of these layout tools will help you tackle any woodworking project with ease and accuracy! With the proper layout tool selection, you can layout your project in no time and with the precision you need. So, take some time to familiarize yourself with layout tools and get ready to create your next masterpiece!