Large Scale Layout Tools
Make a T-square and compass sized for big layout tasks. Enjoy the accuracy for years to come.
I find the issue is that most layout tools live in one of two camps: they’re either small and precise tools for fine woodworking, or large, cheaper tools for rough-in carpentry. Of course, some manufacturers do offer layout tools that are both large and precise, but they can get expensive quite quickly. Our answer to this quandry is the tools you see above: a shop-made T-square and compass, both sized for large projects. These two offer size and accuracy, while also boasting a low cost in materials and even lower cost in time. As you can see above, these two tools couldn’t be simpler. The head of the T-square is kept at 90° by a dado, and its blade is stiffened by a pair of aluminum bars. As for the compass, a lap joint connects the two arms at the fulcrum, while they pivot on a thumbscrew and lock on an aluminum slide. The slide is routed to shape from sheet stock, and the pivot needle is shaped from low-carbon steel. These tools are certain to improve your large-scale layouts, and all they’ll cost is a few pieces of wood, a handful of hardware, and a pleasant day in the shop.
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What You Get:
- 7 pages of step-by-step instructions
- 25 full-color photos, illustrations, and exploded views
- Materials List & Project Supplies Sources
Product Recommendations
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Similar Woodsmith Plans
Imperial Plans
The United States Customary System of Units (USCS or USC), more commonly referred to as the English or Imperial system, is the standard set of units for our plans. It uses inches and feet for measurement. This is the one you probably want if you are in the United States, and it is the one we have traditionally offered on this website.
Metric Plans
The International System of Units (SI), more commonly referred to as the metric system, is the alternative set of units that we have available for some of our plans. It uses millimeters, centimeters, and meters for measurement. This is the one you probably want if you are outside the United States. These plans are provided by our business partner, Australian Woodsmith, and are based on the original Woodsmith plan. However, dimensions and other elements of the plan may vary between the metric and standard versions. Be sure to double-check the plan before building.
Premium Plans
All of the information that you need to build our plans can be found in the standard plan. However, if you want even more granular detail to make your job easier, you should consider our premium plans. These come with additional shop diagrams that we drew when creating the prototypes. Shop drawings are not available for every plan.