Woodpeckers and Incra Measuring Tools: Which ones do you feel are worth the $$

[Neal W]

I recently purchased the Woodpeckers 900mm woodworking ruler (with the hook stop) and their 1281 square in metric.  I felt they would assist me greatly in measurement and layout and in the case of the 1281 setup.  I have also ordered and a awaiting delivery of the 26" precision square. 

Also I have acquired and am awaiting the delivery of the metric versions of the incra bend ruler as well as the metric version of their T-ruler (I have the 18" standard version--which I find very useful).  I also own the incra gauge, which I have found very useful as well for blade/bit height, and other layout and setup functions. 

Some of the other items I am considering are:

The woodpecker's triangle sets or the guaranteed 45 from Incra....
Woodpecker's larger T-square 24" or 32"
Woodpecker's rule stop. 
Woodpecker's story stick

My question to those of you who may have more experience than I, which other of these two fine companies measuring tools do you find most valuable in your efforts? 

 

[semenza]

Any of the squares , especially the large ones. The Woodworking Rules. The T-squares.

Seth

 

[roblg3]

my experiance is with the incra rules is they are better suited for drafting rules than shop work.  just to thin and flimsy

 

[Mr Heavy]

The woodpecker is much better for knocking nails in than the Incra. The Incra is better for scraping old paint off.

The Incra rules - not the gold "guaranteed" series - are terrifyingly flimsy but stunningly accurate. I'm happiest taking them out of the box, doing the task and putting them away again immediately. Definitely more of a drafting/prototyping tool than production kit.

I don't own either manufacturer's a big square but I have a Quite Good one of other manufacture and I tend to use it to check el-cheapo models which I'll happily leave lying around on the bench. I got the el-cheapos from Aldi. Surprisingly good, though the scales don't zero on either the inside or outside - can't remember which.

 

[SittingElf]

As Mr. Heavy stated, the Woodpeckers are industrial strength, but the Incra's are incredibly precise.

I am a dyed-in-the-wool Incra fan, and own most of their rules. Well thought out, not that expensive, and long lasting if cared for properly.  Ingenious!

I have the red stuff for much more general work where I'm not trying to work in 1/64ths.... and of course for squaring stock and MFT accessories.

Cheers,

Frank

 

[abgoto]

I have the 300mm, 600mm, and 900mm woodworking rules with a hook stop and a rule stop-2.  Definitely worth it, I use some combination on every project.

I have the 641 and 1281 in metric and use at least one on every project and I use the 1281 for squaring my MFT.

The metric set up blocks are awesome for router table adjustments.

I recently purchased the 600mm and 1200mm Story Stick Pros.  No opinion yet as I have not used them.

The 150 mm one piece T-Square (TS-150) has been disappointing.  Woodpecker's own .9mm mechanical pencil will not work in the holes in the square as the pencil lead keeps breaking.  I have a .7mm Rotring Rapid Pro on the way, so hopefully that will allow the square to be usable.

A 660mm Precision Square is on order and the final piece (I hope!) will be a 450mm Precision Carpenter's Triangle if it is offered again.

 

[mouppe]

The 1281 square is very good. It can also be recalibrated which is useful. The story stick is quite unique and I find it essential at times.

 

[guitar_ed]

I have tools from both.  Different tasks, different tools.  For somethings, I find Incra is better, for other things I prefer Woodpeckers.

For instance, I am in the process of making a lap steel guitar.  For marking the location of the frets, Incra has the better tool, measuring down to 1/32", with a nice little space where I can mark my lines easily & accurately.  Woodpeckers does not offer a similar tool at the 18" length.  On the other hand, Incra does not make as good a square as the Woodpecker 1281.  Also a tool I used on this project.

Not a definitive answer, but the best I can do.

edg

 

[PA floor guy]

I agree with most. They are both great tools.  But hands down, the woodpecker tools are alot better made.  Frank has alot of both of them. He would know more than me.  I have alot of incra jigs, but all woodpecker measuring tools.  There squares are unreal, t squares are great

 

[Stone Message]

I am afraid I have no Woodpeckers kit but I am sure it must be good.

I have several items from Incra and cannot fault any of them The Precision "T" Rule is a must if you are doing Domino work - I am surprised that Festool don't have their version as it is so accurate and certainly useful. Their "Guaranteed Square" is also spot on and has a nice ledge for it to rest on the woodwork. I think most people will have seen my Incra precision saw stop for the Kapex which is a game changer as it is so easy to just set a size and cut without an need to double check.

Peter