I'm struggling with making precise cuts and feel like no matter how many times I measure, I just can't get it right. I'm considering whether a tape measure that stays stable without any wiggle would help, or if there's something else I should focus on to improve my cutting accuracy. Any recommendations for a good tape measure, or tips for someone like me who has trouble with precision?
2 Answers
It might not just be the tape measure that's the issue, but rather the technique. Are you taking the blade width into account when measuring? Also, ensure your tools are calibrated and that you're using a marking knife instead of a pencil for more precise markings. The material matters too; with standard lumber, you'll often only get about 1/8 to 1/16 inch accuracy. Just keep that in mind!
For cuts shorter than 8 feet, I recommend getting a carpenter's folding rule for better stability. If you have the space, consider building a miter saw table and mounting a tape measure aligned with the blade for perfect cuts. Just line up the end of your board with the tape, and you should be golden!
Thanks for the tip about using a marking knife! I hadn’t thought about the material affecting my cuts.