The best craftsmen don't measure like others do

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[StumpyNubs]

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[fins]

I still think you should give me all your tools. Not because you're wrong - I just want all your tools.

[robertdavenport]

The old woodworker's maxim 'Never measure what you can mark' has been my go to over the years. Measuring ( I mean, you do have to measure a lot of stuff ) introduces an extra step. Extra steps = extra interpolation=extra chances for error.

[mikehodges]

"stable like metal or a good hard cheese". Just pure gold.

[digital]

A famous german saying goes like this: The woodworker measures to the millimeter, the carpenter measures to the centimeter, the builder is glad if he stays within the property :D

[carboneagle]

This reminds me of when I learned why so many framers build houses to a 1/4" tolerance.
I was building my dad a shed and was determined to have everything perfect since I wasn't on the clock and could spend the time to do so. The first weekend I built the floor, walls and trusses. Everything was exactly the right size. By the next weekend when I came back to finish, some of the walls had changed size by up to 1/8". I was unhappy but had learned a lesson.

[johnritchie]

As a retired engineer, I have always had to school my newbies on the difference between accuracy and precision.

[hilljd]

You got me Stumpy. I spend more time watching woodworking videos than I spend in the shop. However, I laugh out loud SO many times at your wonderfully dry one-liners that I watch your videos as soon as they're released. I learn a LOT and enjoy both the lesson and quips immensely. THANK YOU!!!!

[MalenyFieldsForever]

It took me a long time to realise that precision in woodworking is often achieved by "sneaking up" to the target.

[sixter]

My sheet metal fabrication/welding instructor told me a story from when he was a welder on a navy ship. They were in Asia somewhere getting repairs and local repair guy took measurements by holding his hands apart, turning around putting his hands on the material and marking it. When he was done hand measuring and cutting, the part fit perfectly. My instructor was amazed by the skill.

[philmann]

So glad to hear this. When I was young, you'd see plans having dimensions like "5 + 37/64ths." Decades later, you realize they simply took an existing project, measured it, and wrote down whatever their precise calipers indicated. Good woodworkers simply cut to whatever looks right and fits, and the dimensions are whatever they are.

[richpeggyfranks]

Great video. I've been woodworking for nearly 50 years. A couple years ago, I visited my brother-in-law for a weekend. He is a recent inductee into the YouTube woodworker group. I tried all weekend to convince him to try the "cut to fit" method. Unfortunately, I failed miserably. He was sure I owned several red squares because they were accurate to When I told him I don't need that accuracy, he said he was disappointed because he thought I could give him some pointers about measuring. Thx.

[owenoneill]

Totally agree, Spot on. I built a library from Cotswold stone in Fairford UK. It was when CAD first started to be used for drawings, the length of the building was shown to .5mm. I took the architect outside and asked him to pick a stone as there was sure to be one that was correct.

[olwill]

"...a good hard cheese." Man, I love your humor. All delivered with a straight face, like the best stand-up.

Good info, too.

[eventhorizon]

Doing house carpentry I’ve probably gotten into more trouble trying to be more precise than necessary so I now sneak up on things as suggested. At 80 years old I didn’t grow up with the kind of tools available now so I had to learn the hard way. My dad built our house with a skill saw and finish hammer. A lot of work was done with hand saws and a miter box. I have huge respect for those old guys who did amazing work.

[Uncephalized]

What you're describing here is the difference between a nominal dimension and the tolerance. Right on.

[cynicalidealist]

“Who cares x Doesn’t matter “……love it because it’s true!
Great video. As a beginner, this is very helpful to quell my OCD tendencies when it comes to dimensions.
Also, thank you for pointing out the difference between accuracy and precision.

[johnduffy]

Your patience in dealing with the internet trolls IMO, is nothing short of genius! You are a master of diplomacy and deserving of admiration. You put the "Q" in quality videos. May your edge tools be as sharp as your insight....and, may all your wood grain run straight.

[carazy_]

I’m a newly graduated engineer, so I’m happy to learn that my intuition on this was on track. Thanks!

[victorhurley]

This is great advice! As a beginner woodworker, in many ways, it is reassuring "cut to fit" lengths or angles is not "wrong".
Always appreciate your insights and appalled that people are flat out rude to you. Such a waste of time.