I thought I would not need a 25' measuring tape on a construction site too. Foreman saw my little 10' tape and said it was "CUTE". I got so much flack for my 10' tape, it's stuck with me to this day...19 years later even after the foreman has now passed. He passed saving 2 of his workers from a falling crane that broke off a truck. He pushed them HARD through an unfinished drywall section so they just got covered with dust. That 2nd hack of dividing boards...very nice.
When I was an apprentice, a journeyman...(ready to retire) showed the diagonal measuring and circle finder hack. I found it very interesting. I was baffled with his explanation cause of course I didn't pick up what he was laying down. Lol. I see you explaining this years later and I'm in awe. Thanks for the refresher, its greatly appreciated, as are all your videos.
That construction triangle is actually a speed square,if you get an aluminum one instead of the plastic one you're using you'll find them quite dependable.
That diagonal method to find Center or to divide a board blew my mind. I would have never thought of that. You're very smart! You always have great tips thank you
Every time I see your face when I open a video I get all excited like a 67 year old KID ! Then I say " Ohhhhh, this is going to be good ... pay attention !! Thank you for soooo many great videos. Always a pleasure to learn from you, you are Blessed .. and talented !! I used to HATE school, now all I want to do is LEARN ... like they say " TO LATE SMART, TO SOON OLD"
I'm one of those very fortunate people who is Left handed. No problems reading the tape, but I do have a tape that has the markings in both directions. Back in the late 60's when I started WWing, one of the projects we had to make was the right angle / triangle jig for finding the centres. I still have it and use it in my workshop today. Thanks for the tips Colin
Why is it that the simplest of methods elude me and I wind up so frustrated. You’ve opened my mind to a new world. Ht our video was too short, I was just getting into it. Hope you have more tips soon.
OMG... that second tip.. my mind is blown... I cannot wait to use it or pass it on... seriously.. that is the first time watching a ' hack' video that I have come away learning something useful... many thanks!
Colin, Colin, Colin. As ever simple yet indispensable information. The diagonal board division tip had my mouth open, literally. I am new to woodworking but your channel is always full of helpful things for people like me. You’ve just gained another subscriber. Thank you.
I stopped the video at dividing a board into equal parts. I just divided a 4" piece of paper into 5 equal parts. God, what a cool thing to teach! Thanks Colin. Now to continue with the rest of the video!
What's crazy is that in all of the countless times I've tried to evenly divide an odd size piece of material, NOBODY has ever shown me the easy way! We just tried to divide 3' 7-9/16" by 5 (or whatever the case), every time! Thank you so much for sharing that! I immediately showed that trick to everyone in the room. Videos like this are why I am constantly, casually surfing CZcams. 😎👍
Hey. When you see your tips they look pretty obvious but, obviously, many of us haven't think of any of'em...that comes with expertise. Thank you for sharing that!
The second tip is great! However A must for carpenter apprentices, know your math and measurements despite any hack you learn. And apprentices, (not wood workers apparently) the triangle is called a speed square... and the L-shaped is called a framing square. Don't get caught calling these triangles because you'll likely get sent to find a wood stretcher, and soon be replaced by a laborer. Carpentry is a high paying skill so know your craft and tools Apprentices! Great video though sir! I love your channel sir. Thank You for posting this.
sir beside learning woodworking tips in here i also get a lot of energy from you. you smile all the time, and i can say for sure you are one of the greatest woodworking teachers. Thanks for sharing your information and all these positive energies.
Agreed on comments below. The diagonal hack to figure out the halfway point and even dividing things into fifths is an awesome way of measuring. Will save a lot of time! Thanks a ton! Subscribed.
Love ALL of these tips! Best one for me on this video is the one that a lot are mentioning. Dividing a board into equal parts! Amazing! Blew my mind. Thank you!
So much valuable information in just a couple of minutes, I need to go out and get some engineer squares, and finding the center of something, I make 3 tier trays and I need to get what I'm using exactly in the middle of each shelf, and it takes a long time because I like to be right down to the 32nd, that's why it takes me so long to do stuff, so these hacks are going to save me so much time. First video I've ever seen of you, I've subscribed and gave you a thumbs up, thanks for the tips.
Good stuff. I also went from a 25ft tape measure to a 12ft for the same reason. Plus i got one that when you pull the tape out, it will only retract when you press the button. Instead of a button to lock it's a button to unlock. I got tired of all the sliding thumb locks seemingly needing two hands to CRUSH it to get it locked down all the way or it would retract without warning.
COLIN! HOLY COW! THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! First off I love the tip on how to divide a board into equal parts. Even though I am fairly new to woodworking, I cannot tell you how many times I have measured a board and done the exhaustive math to divide fractions just so I could get the exact measurement. Your tip is a freaking lifesaver. Secondly, the method for finding the center of a circle. I have an idea for dust collection and I have yet to cut my material because I have been contemplating how to find the center of my bucket lid. I can officially start my dust collection project thanks to you.
The method of finding the centre of a board you illustrated is so amazingly simple. I’m in the U.K. and only use metric and measuring millimetres can strain my eyes. Thanks for the tip!
Dividing a board into 5 parts, easily, no math? Finding the _exact_ center easily? There's more exact squares found easily? I've been doing woodworking projects and carpentry projects for decades, and didn't know this stuff! Instant subscribe, here!
Thanks for the center finder! What a time saver!! My Dad gave me a "trick" for the clear plastic engineer/drafting triangles: Take a piece of 600/1000 grit wet or dry and on one side just run a light short stroke to "fog" the plastic. Take a blue sharpie, Mark a couple of hash marks on the fogged area, gently wipe. The ink is in the scratches. It will wear off, but not bleed off, messing up your projects. It's not much but it sure helped! Thanks again!!!
O.M.G. I am 59 years old have been doing wood working projects and construction since i was 16, and i never knew any of these tips of the trade. A couple i kinda thought , neat piece of knowledge. But for the most part, I am just floored!! I am shocked and amazed that i didn't know these tips already not that I'm smart enough to figure out myself, but working with all the different tradesmen over the years i never saw anyone use these techniques. The tips that blew my mind the most is finding the center of a round object and dividing a piece of lumber. Great video and explanation of these tips.
The tip for angling a ruler to help with figuring out measurements to divide a board up evenly is amazing! That will save me a lot of headache. Thank you!
These tips are so very helpful. I’m not sure why but for some reason getting my measurements and cuts to be accurate is my biggest challenge. I’m sure I’m not alone, or perhaps I just need new glasses. I tried these tips and they actually worked out precisely, even for me. Thank you so much! I am addicted to your videos by the way. Thanks again.
when I was younger I worked part time at a sheet metal shop & got used to using a 16 foot tape & it carried over when I retired from a railroad, it still feels right
Thank you! The method to find center of the circle was particularly helpful. I also never thought to turn the ruler at an angle to make it that much easier to find center. I wish I'd known that when measuring to find center a few weeks back. LOL.
I make furniture and other things for a living and I will definitely remember a few of these. Glad to see you always have a spring clamp handy too...its like a 3rd hand :)
Thanks Colin, been watching a few of your videos now. You have a gift for presenting and explaining in the most pleasing manner..... showing us how to solve problems in the simplest possible way. Thankyou for your presentations! 😁
Wow !! Not much I can add to all the great comments below. That trick for dividing wood into equal parts was great. It would work great for making equal coulombs and rows on a piece of paper too, ie. a calendar. Can't wait to watch part 2.
Always enjoy your videos. That said, language matters. As others have noted, the triangular yellow square in this video is commonly called a speed square or rafter square, or occasionally a rafter angle square. The clear plastic squares are generally referred to as artist’s squares or architect’s squares, and are available from art supply stores; they are cut with a die and are very precise, much more accurate in general than a framing square for example. An engineer’s square is usually made of hardened steel and is also very accurate - of course, that may vary with the manufacturer. Of all my squares, the architect’s squares and engineer’s squares are the most accurate; the speed squares are almost as accurate; while the framing squares, try squares and combination square are just approximately accurate. Thanks again for the many informative videos.
I agree with you on the tape measure length. I'm a woodworker, not a carpenter, but the tape measure I have is a 30ft. It's always been one of those things nagging me that i need to get a 10 or 15ft one.
I never realize the reading on the measuring tape is upside down when holding it with my left hand!! I like the tip on finding the centre of circular things, very practical. Thanks for sharing : )
Thank you for the tips. Great tips to “put in your back pocket” as my grandad used to say when something was a good idea to remember. I enjoy all of your videos.
The second tip about dividing a board in equal parts is the best thing I've seen in CZcams today.. thank you
Brilliant TIp!
It's an amazing tip. It may be one of the best measuring "hacks" I've ever seen. So simple and practical.
It really helped me out
Dont forget saw blade width
I just saw that and thought "good god, why have I never thought of that!" It's so simple yet brilliant.
No stinkin' way... that diagonal straight edge method to find the midpoint, etc. just blew my mind. You, sir, deserve an award!
Thank you for the finding the center of a circle trick
I thought I would not need a 25' measuring tape on a construction site too. Foreman saw my little 10' tape and said it was "CUTE". I got so much flack for my 10' tape, it's stuck with me to this day...19 years later even after the foreman has now passed. He passed saving 2 of his workers from a falling crane that broke off a truck. He pushed them HARD through an unfinished drywall section so they just got covered with dust.
That 2nd hack of dividing boards...very nice.
When I was an apprentice, a journeyman...(ready to retire) showed the diagonal measuring and circle finder hack. I found it very interesting. I was baffled with his explanation cause of course I didn't pick up what he was laying down. Lol. I see you explaining this years later and I'm in awe. Thanks for the refresher, its greatly appreciated, as are all your videos.
That construction triangle is actually a speed square,if you get an aluminum one instead of the plastic one you're using you'll find them quite dependable.
Particularly for quickly marking angles
That diagonal method to find Center or to divide a board blew my mind. I would have never thought of that. You're very smart! You always have great tips thank you
I've used that for ~3 years now & must say that I use it a LOT more than I thought I would when hearing it.
I second that. So useful and simple!
i 3rd that great tip
MrBonners - Given the reaction by many in the comments, obviously not all.
I feel so dumb for having not thought of this when measuring ten times and second guessing my marks.
Every time I see your face when I open a video I get all excited like a 67 year old KID ! Then I say " Ohhhhh, this is going to be good ... pay attention !! Thank you for soooo many great videos. Always a pleasure to learn from you, you are Blessed .. and talented !! I used to HATE school, now all I want to do is LEARN ... like they say " TO LATE SMART, TO SOON OLD"
Thanks! I’m an old retired rehab therapist who’s decided to do handyman jobs for the neighbors. I need all the tips I can get!!!
Always a pleasure to watch Colin. Precise to the point instructions and tips. No time wasting . Thanks man. Learnt a lot from you. 👍🇿🇦
That board dividing trick was grnious...Holy smokes!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍
I'm one of those very fortunate people who is Left handed. No problems reading the tape, but I do have a tape that has the markings in both directions. Back in the late 60's when I started WWing, one of the projects we had to make was the right angle / triangle jig for finding the centres. I still have it and use it in my workshop today. Thanks for the tips Colin
I never thought of combining a square with a speed square. great hack.
Thanks Colin 😊 A couple of these I didn't know and they will definitely come in handy 😊 ॐ
You're Welcome! Thanks for watching Wood Yogi
I think you're ace. You demonstrate brilliantly. Thank you.
Why is it that the simplest of methods elude me and I wind up so frustrated. You’ve opened my mind to a new world. Ht our video was too short, I was just getting into it. Hope you have more tips soon.
OMG... that second tip.. my mind is blown... I cannot wait to use it or pass it on... seriously.. that is the first time watching a ' hack' video that I have come away learning something useful... many thanks!
Colin, Colin, Colin. As ever simple yet indispensable information. The diagonal board division tip had my mouth open, literally. I am new to woodworking but your channel is always full of helpful things for people like me. You’ve just gained another subscriber. Thank you.
I stopped the video at dividing a board into equal parts. I just divided a 4" piece of paper into 5 equal parts. God, what a cool thing to teach! Thanks Colin. Now to continue with the rest of the video!
What's crazy is that in all of the countless times I've tried to evenly divide an odd size piece of material, NOBODY has ever shown me the easy way! We just tried to divide 3' 7-9/16" by 5 (or whatever the case), every time!
Thank you so much for sharing that! I immediately showed that trick to everyone in the room. Videos like this are why I am constantly, casually surfing CZcams.
😎👍
Yes, second tip is simple and perfect. Thank you. 👍👍👍
I never thought of measuring across a board diagonally. Wow. Mind blown. So helpful. Thanks!!!
Great tips. We call those triangles set squares in South Africa. Used for draughting.
You sir are a GENIUS! That is the easiest way to find the middle of a round shape! I’m blown away! Thank you!
Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!
Hey. When you see your tips they look pretty obvious but, obviously, many of us haven't think of any of'em...that comes with expertise. Thank you for sharing that!
The second tip is great! However A must for carpenter apprentices, know your math and measurements despite any hack you learn. And apprentices, (not wood workers apparently) the triangle is called a speed square... and the L-shaped is called a framing square. Don't get caught calling these triangles because you'll likely get sent to find a wood stretcher, and soon be replaced by a laborer. Carpentry is a high paying skill so know your craft and tools Apprentices! Great video though sir! I love your channel sir. Thank You for posting this.
Dividing the board part blew my mind!
sir beside learning woodworking tips in here i also get a lot of energy from you. you smile all the time, and i can say for sure you are one of the greatest woodworking teachers. Thanks for sharing your information and all these positive energies.
Agreed on comments below. The diagonal hack to figure out the halfway point and even dividing things into fifths is an awesome way of measuring. Will save a lot of time! Thanks a ton! Subscribed.
Super helpful love the dividing of the board tip
I'm glad that helps!
Love ALL of these tips! Best one for me on this video is the one that a lot are mentioning. Dividing a board into equal parts! Amazing! Blew my mind. Thank you!
So much valuable information in just a couple of minutes, I need to go out and get some engineer squares, and finding the center of something, I make 3 tier trays and I need to get what I'm using exactly in the middle of each shelf, and it takes a long time because I like to be right down to the 32nd, that's why it takes me so long to do stuff, so these hacks are going to save me so much time.
First video I've ever seen of you, I've subscribed and gave you a thumbs up, thanks for the tips.
Good stuff. I also went from a 25ft tape measure to a 12ft for the same reason. Plus i got one that when you pull the tape out, it will only retract when you press the button. Instead of a button to lock it's a button to unlock. I got tired of all the sliding thumb locks seemingly needing two hands to CRUSH it to get it locked down all the way or it would retract without warning.
COLIN!
HOLY COW! THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!
First off I love the tip on how to divide a board into equal parts. Even though I am fairly new to woodworking, I cannot tell you how many times I have measured a board and done the exhaustive math to divide fractions just so I could get the exact measurement. Your tip is a freaking lifesaver.
Secondly, the method for finding the center of a circle. I have an idea for dust collection and I have yet to cut my material because I have been contemplating how to find the center of my bucket lid. I can officially start my dust collection project thanks to you.
The method of finding the centre of a board you illustrated is so amazingly simple. I’m in the U.K. and only use metric and measuring millimetres can strain my eyes. Thanks for the tip!
These tips are worth their weight in gold. Absolutely fantastic.
Dividing sections by angling. Mind blown 🤯. Thank you
Dividing the board - brilliant thank you Colin.
You're welcome Bob!
Yeah, I am so happy that I played this video. Hope I won't forget these tips :D
I've never seen that tip on finding the center of a board that way. It's very impressive. Thanks.
Dividing the board...you just saved me SO much time and frustration. Thank you!
The carpentry gangsta- dropping that knowledge!
Being a beginner this truly helps thank you! thank you!!!
Dividing a board into 5 parts, easily, no math? Finding the _exact_ center easily? There's more exact squares found easily? I've been doing woodworking projects and carpentry projects for decades, and didn't know this stuff! Instant subscribe, here!
Great tips. The easy way to divide anything in half or 1/5 or whatever was great. Its so easy.
Clever tricks like these are just not taught anymore. Thank you for the tips.
the trick with the framing square and the speed square for round stock center finding will be useful to me in the future. thanx!
That second tip is absolute genius. Thanks Colin
So that one to divide up the board is brilliant. I'm pretty OC so you just saved me a lot of time with some of difficult fractional measurements
Love the tip on finding a center of a circle!
Thanks for the center finder! What a time saver!!
My Dad gave me a "trick" for the clear plastic engineer/drafting triangles:
Take a piece of 600/1000 grit wet or dry and on one side just run a light short stroke to "fog" the plastic. Take a blue sharpie, Mark a couple of hash marks on the fogged area, gently wipe. The ink is in the scratches. It will wear off, but not bleed off, messing up your projects. It's not much but it sure helped!
Thanks again!!!
Love the one about finding the middle of a board your way makes it so simple thank you
Thank you a lot for the finding center tip. You have unintentionally answer the question why should we listen to old people.
Thanks always u r video r use full .I been useing mesering tape for long time and never notice left hand and right hand thanks
O.M.G. I am 59 years old have been doing wood working projects and construction since i was 16, and i never knew any of these tips of the trade. A couple i kinda thought , neat piece of knowledge. But for the most part, I am just floored!! I am shocked and amazed that i didn't know these tips already not that I'm smart enough to figure out myself, but working with all the different tradesmen over the years i never saw anyone use these techniques.
The tips that blew my mind the most is finding the center of a round object and dividing a piece of lumber. Great video and explanation of these tips.
Thanks for watching!
you never saw them because you worked with professional carpenters probably.This is some dodgy amateur who can’t do simple maths
Thank you sir. I've learned a lot from your very useful tips and tricks.
The tip for angling a ruler to help with figuring out measurements to divide a board up evenly is amazing! That will save me a lot of headache. Thank you!
That diagonal method is really magic !! Tks
You're Welcome!
All GR8 tips - love the angled ruler for dividing a board - GR8!
WOW! You totally blew my mind.
Thanks Colin. Very informative and useful.
The most value-added video in a long time. Thank you Sir.
The hack for centre of dowel or circle was super cool. I drill a lot of plates and this will make my process much quicker. Thank you!
I've seen many videos on how to make a jig for finding the center of a dowel. Your method is by far the simplest.
Wow... niceee, thanks👍 the ruler with the clamps. I like that method
Great tip about the tape measure, went on ebay and bought one, no more mistakes!!!
Some great tips there, thanks Colin.
Awesome. I didn't know any of these shortcuts, before.
Love the tip on splitting boards into equal parts. One of those "why didn't I think of that" tips.
Thanks,Colin. Today I know more.
Gracias, Colin. Hoy sé más.
Oh my goodness!!!! Love this. Who would have thought we needed to learn how to measure things??? 😂. So glad I found your channel!
Not public schools. That's for sure. Recognizing racist micro aggressions is much more of a valuable life skill.
These tips are so very helpful. I’m not sure why but for some reason getting my measurements and cuts to be accurate is my biggest challenge. I’m sure I’m not alone, or perhaps I just need new glasses. I tried these tips and they actually worked out precisely, even for me. Thank you so much!
I am addicted to your videos by the way. Thanks again.
How to divide trick was awesome! Will be using that method going forward. Thank you!
I like the one where you divided the board with the ruler. Really cool tip! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks mate you saved my ruler from being snapped in 2. I can’t see the mm very easily in my workshop. 👍🇦🇺
the method for dividing the board into multiple parts is pure genius! well done
when I was younger I worked part time at a sheet metal shop & got used to using a 16 foot tape & it carried over when I retired from a railroad, it still feels right
Simple tricks , thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you! The method to find center of the circle was particularly helpful. I also never thought to turn the ruler at an angle to make it that much easier to find center. I wish I'd known that when measuring to find center a few weeks back. LOL.
Thank you, sir. Simple stuff ... and yet it stays hidden from most most people.
Yes, please! More measuring tips and tricks.
measure once,,,,,,,,,,,cut two or three or four times,,,,,,,,,,,eventually you'll get it right.
Diagonal method is awesome, and combining the speed square with the framing square.
What kind of sorcery is this!? Haha. That method to find center was mind blowing
Thank You, Russ!
Fantastic tips. I've heard the one with the angled ruler to divide wood, but I forget. The other ones I've never heard of.
Thanks for sharing.
Good tips! Tks fir sharing. I from Brazil.
Thank you for the second tip about dividing a board.
I make furniture and other things for a living and I will definitely remember a few of these.
Glad to see you always have a spring clamp handy too...its like a 3rd hand :)
Thanks Colin, been watching a few of your videos now. You have a gift for presenting and explaining in the most pleasing manner..... showing us how to solve problems in the simplest possible way. Thankyou for your presentations! 😁
Good tips !! The yellow one is a speed square, it has all the angles for roof pitches & a couple things for layout
Actual tips, great video!
Wow !! Not much I can add to all the great comments below. That trick for dividing wood into equal parts was great. It would work great for making equal coulombs and rows on a piece of paper too, ie. a calendar. Can't wait to watch part 2.
Always enjoy your videos. That said, language matters. As others have noted, the triangular yellow square in this video is commonly called a speed square or rafter square, or occasionally a rafter angle square. The clear plastic squares are generally referred to as artist’s squares or architect’s squares, and are available from art supply stores; they are cut with a die and are very precise, much more accurate in general than a framing square for example. An engineer’s square is usually made of hardened steel and is also very accurate - of course, that may vary with the manufacturer.
Of all my squares, the architect’s squares and engineer’s squares are the most accurate; the speed squares are almost as accurate; while the framing squares, try squares and combination square are just approximately accurate.
Thanks again for the many informative videos.
what a good hack to equally measure a board.
I agree with you on the tape measure length. I'm a woodworker, not a carpenter, but the tape measure I have is a 30ft. It's always been one of those things nagging me that i need to get a 10 or 15ft one.
Very useful tips...thanks for posting!
Thanks for the videos. Very clever and informative. I think the clear plastic "engineer squares" are also called drafting triangles.
Thank you sir for sharing your great tips.
That center finder trick is hella useful.
Knowledge is only as powerful as the one who teaches.... blessing old wise one
Thanks for watching!
I never realize the reading on the measuring tape is upside down when holding it with my left hand!! I like the tip on finding the centre of circular things, very practical. Thanks for sharing : )
Thank you for the tips. Great tips to “put in your back pocket” as my grandad used to say when something was a good idea to remember. I enjoy all of your videos.