Tools Used as a Guide in Carpentry

Spirit Levels

• Spirit levels are used when fitting furniture, stud walls or in similar jobs. They work by keeping a trapped air bubble in liquid. When the bubble is even between the two level marks, then you will know everything is centered. You can then use the level to make guiding marks between two points. A level can also be used to create pitch and fall, such as in the making of handicapped ramps.

Knives

• A knife has a very fine line and is more efficient than a pencil line. The knife can also be used to cut through materials, allowing a saw to create a more accurate cut and finish. Carpenters primarily use three types of knives. A marking knife has a side bevel and the blade can be put against a square or straight edge to produce a finished cut or mark. The craft knife is extremely sharp and is used to mold and shape soft wood. The utility knife can use razor blade inserts to cut patterns. It can cut through virtually any material and make any shape.

Squares

• Carpenters use squares to create a true 90 degree angle. Squares can also be adjusted to different angles and used to guide cuts and lines. There are many types of squares. The combination square is good for marking 90 degree, 45 degree and 135 degree lines. It also has a metal slide rule to serve as a guide in creating straight and parallel lines. Try squares can be used to mark a 90 degree line. Framing squares are 90 degree L-shaped squares and are usually 24 inches long on one side and 16 inches long on the other. They may also be used as a ruler.