Woodpeckers Tools

[saands]

I am considering buying some of Woodpecker's measuring tools for the shop. Given that they tend to be on the pricey side, I am considering limiting this purchase to 3-4 of their top tools. Given this, I am wondering if I can get your guidance on the following:
1. Which tools, if any, you find most useful for general woodworking and cabinetry? Squares, T-squares and triangles
2. Which of the Woodpecker measuring tools work nicely with Festool tools (e.g. MFT/3 table and other relevant tools) and the Saw Stop?

I do have engineer squares and a Starret combination square.

Thank you so much for your help with this question.

Saands

 

[ear3]

You can't go wrong with the 1281.

But if you can manage to find them on the secondary market, I highly recommend either the 18" or even 26" framing squares.  I use the 26" one all the time to square my rail on sheet goods, and to set up the MFT.

You want to have a trusted method of drawing a long square line, and so the 32" T-square is a good secondary option if you can't find the 26" framing square.

One of the straight rulers usually good to have handy as well.  I have one where the measuring marks have the 0 in the center on one side, so it's easy to find the center on a wide board or do mirrored marking/layout. 

 

[JFelchlin]

I agree with Ear3 - Exactly. Invaluable measuring/layout tools. All are great suggestions!
I accumulated mine (a wall full) over several years - And use each regularly.
Pricey. But, excellent tools that don’t wear out.
So... Just pick 2-3-4 and just add one every 6 months, or so.

 

[ben_r_]

Even with my Starret squares, my most used Woodpeckers tools are the 641, 1281, and 26" Framing Square (which is a One Time Tool). Followed behind by their 12", 24", 36" and 50" rulers with Hook Stops. I have quite a few other tools made by them, but those see even less use.

 

[Birdhunter]

In order, 26” framing square, 1281 square, and the 12” ruler that has the zero in the center on one side and zero to 12” on the other side.

The ruler that goes from zero to 6” in both directions is fantastic for quickly finding the center of a board. There are shorter and longer versions of this ruler.

 

[RKA]

1281 (for checking square) and the 36" (or metric equiv) ruler with the center scale and a rule stop so I can use it like a story stick (useful for calibrating parallel guides - Festool or otherwise, and so many layout tasks).  I also have a 12"/300mm and the rule stop can be swapped to that as well. 

 

[semenza]

The 32" T-Square is great for sheet goods. Get a .9mm mechanical pencil.

The woodworking rules , rule. You will just have to pick a size. It's nice to have one longer and one shorter.

The largest square they currently have available.

Seth

 

[sancho57]

1281 square is their most popular square. when i took my first festool end user class it was the square we used to square the MFT. I now use either the Anderson ply square or the 45 cm OTT square for that.

My next most useful squae is their 3" triangle square, its awesome for setting te fence on my planer, blade on my saw etc etc.

They make a little 2" square which is useful along with their 36" straight edge/scale and a 12" scale with accessory stop that attached to the end plus a 6" scale which comes in very handy.

I have some others Ive bought which I dont really use much as the ones I mentioned do everything I need. But Im keeping the as they are OTT and though bought on a Gee thats cool basis they will come in handy eventually on certain jobs

 

[Cheese]

The 4 Woodpeckers items I use the most, in order, are:

1. The 1281 square because if it accidentally hits the floor, it dents rather than breaks. Unfortunately I cracked my forged Starrett when it slipped off of some sheet goods. Use the Woodpeckers and keep the Starrett as a standard check.

2. The 18" square and/or the 26" square. I use the 18" more often because it's less bulky. The 26" square really is a beast.

3. The 49" woodworking rule with the rule stop.

4. One of the shorter Saddle T-squares. Perfect for transferring lines easily & accurately from the surface of a board to the edge.

My favorite Woodpeckers item though is the Bevel Square and Angle Reference Plate. It's not used that often but when it is, it brings a smile to my face...a really nice piece of equipment.

 

[waho6o9]

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Start with the 1281 and the DelVe square if you can.

 

[zapdafish]

1. Which tools, if any, you find most useful for general woodworking and cabinetry? Squares, T-squares and triangles

- I use the paolini rule all the time. I have 4 pocket versions. Already had 2 with black knobs and then took one of his classes and picked up 2 more because he had the chrome knobs.  [big grin] And a 18" version.

- story stick

 

[Peter_C]

I prefer the 1281ss for the line drawing/marking feature. Unfortunately it is a One Time Tool.https://www.woodpeck.com/1281ss.html

The 26" square or the metric equivalent is perfect for squaring an MFT. You can rest it on a piece of wood to set the rail to fence square at working height.

Story stick has it's place for doing cabinetry layout work.

A smaller flat ruler is a necessity, but doesn't necessarily need to be Woodpeckers. Paolini though is well liked.

 

[ben_r_]

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Start with the 1281 and the DelVe square if you can.

Classy! I have the same setup!

 

[Steven Owen]

The Woodpeckers Story stick gets overlooked to often.  It’s a huge time saver for transferring marks for hardware and dominos on cabinet projects.

The Woodpeckers box clamps are great for drawer builds. 

 

[Bill Chang]

1281 and larger square, center zero ruler (large) and a small one (I think mine is 6 or 8”).

 

[saands]

Hello everyone!

Thank you so much for your helpful responses to my question(s).

saands

 

[jimbo51]

I sent a note to Woodpecker and received no reply so I will ask the question here since Woodpecker has answered questions like this here before.

Does the new cross dowel jig adjust down to undersized 3/4" (23/32") plywood? The video shows it being used on plywood, but I would like confirmation.