Custom 1-2-3 Blocks for Woodworkers?

For years I have resisted the temptation to purchase 1-2-3 blocks, even though I know how accurate and useful they are, but I know by now, in my own woodworking, the only measurement I would be using in one of these blocks would be the 2-inch side, which is why I have shied away from them, this week I decided to make my own, the sizes that I use most often, and I would use some very dry hard maple that would last a long time and be pretty much as accurate as a steel block, at least as accurate as we need for woodworking where wood movement is a constant concern, and with 2 pairs one is magnetized to my table saw the other set to the side of my wood router table and that's how I made, custom 1-2-3 blocks, which turn out to be great woodworking hand tools.

More Woodworking Measuring Videos:

[Jimc]

I made mine out of 3/4" mdf. It's what I was using for a build I was doing at the time. Made several sets at time because I figured it would be no time before I knicked one.

[roberthalaska]

The only thing handier than these 1, 2, 3 blocks is your videos. Thanks Colin!

[steveporter]

I was a machinist/ tool maker for 30 years. We always took great pride in the accuracy of our 1, 2, 3, blocks . Trying to hold them within .0005 inches or less when making them. I realize this is unnecessary and silly for your application but old habits die hard. You about gave me a heart attack when you checked your 2 inch cut with a tape measure. Lol. I have learned so much from your videos, please keep up the informative and entertaining segments.

[russmartin]

What a great idea to make them yourself. My head was stuck on the idea of buying them. You taught me a lesson. Always ask myself first "can I make that?".

[lincolndickerson]

I think this is great, not worried about the miniscule amount of movement in the wood at all. In fact the longest parts are end grain which doesn’t move at all. The one thing I am thinking is I would like longer blocks for setting the table saw blade, say the blade diameter that way when setting the blade off the fence there is less chance of rocking the block. Seems like a great way to apply the 1/4 1/4 1/4 or 1/2 method setting up a table saw for making drawers or boxes. This would be super quick.

[Traitorman..Proverbs.]

That’s why a 3D printer is extremely handy in a workshop. You can design and make all kinds of blocks and helpers.
And since a lot of people have already designed and shared them online, you can get the design files for almost anything you need. Free of charge.

[stephenschell]

What a great skill builder. So glad I watched this one.

[George_in_Howden]

Great tip, I think I will make two blocks each with different sizes. Used either separately or grouped together would give multiple combinations.

[cfredtmbg]

I’ve never had an issue with my blocks damaging the carbide teeth on my blades, but I’m also extremely careful and gentle when they contact a tooth. If you’re moving fast and not paying attention, you do risk damaging the teeth.

[LarryB-inFL]

Glad to see you doing this instead of pointing people to the steel blocks. And custom size is a good idea.
Don't you find that Diablo 90 tooth blade to be almost magical in how smooth the crosscut surface ends up????

[oneeyedphotographer]

Why would you not make a story stick?
For example, I an making lap joints. I could make notches spaced for the various timber widths, and deep enough to set the tablesaw (or router) depth.

[normangerring]

I truly enjoy your program and the information shared. Thank you.

[GraemePayneMarine]

Nice Idea!
Yes, real 1-2-3 blocks are made of tool steel. That is becoause of their intended use, setting up machine tooling an calibrating dimensional measuring instruments, along with precision gage blocks. In those applications, the steel coefficient of expansion is usually the same as the tool steel of the machines or instruments, so temperature changes have little effect. For a wood block the primary cause of dimensional change is humidity, with expansion across the grain. Ideally it should act similarly to other wood being used.

[tomaylor]

I made a story board with mfd with many cuts so I just need to put the cut slot for the cut I need and slide the fence to the mfd. Dozens of different slots cut around the 4 sides of one 12x12 board.

[DGTALSYNAPS]

Thanks brother, I’m glad you’re doing well.

[SteifWood]

In a shop I tested five different but same brand 100 cm long steel rulers. They were not of grad A quality, but still it was dubious that only two of them where exactly equal length to the fraction at the 100 cm mark. It made me decided to make my own custom blocks.
Luckily I had access to a high quality planer with digital adjustment of the height. The planer was set up and calibrated by the dealer. It was ideal to make measuring blocks of aged hardwood, and in a breeze I made a bunch from 10 - 100 mm with the dealers guaranteed +/- 0.05 mm accuracy.

[fredbrooks]

Great video. You gave me a lot of information and ideas about custom 1-2-3 blocks for special applications. I have always felt if it takes me a much longer time to make a jig to get a accurate cut the time spent making the jig is well worth it. And a I-2-3 block or a 1- 1.5- 3 block is a jig.

[tedpuckett]

Great vid. Those you made are really great. I’ll have those plus the 1, 2, 3. That should pretty much cover the most commonly used dimensions. I also think I’ll make a set just a bit longer like 6” length that I can have a longer reference side for the fence. That magnet was a great idea as well. Thanks for creating this vid.

[Goalsplus]

Thanks Colin. I've liked the idea of 1, 2, 3 blocks ( or the equivalent in metric) but something about them bugged me. Of course - it's rare to want only 1, 2, 3. You're idea makes much more sense.

[steelsunpi]

I batch out a lot of products on my table saw that use the same dimensions: 1/2", 1 1/2", 1 3/4", and 2". So I made a bunch of wood slats with those dimensions that I use to set my rip widths. Make it fast, accurate, and repeatable.