A Simple Woodworking Trick I Learned 40 Years Ago
Hi, hope your year is off to a great start.
One of the first woodworking lessons I learned over 40 years ago came from my then-boss, Bob Waltsack, at a shop called The Woodworker in Wayne, New Jersey. It’s a simple trick, but one that’s stuck with me ever since: using your fingernail to draw a straight line.
With a little practice, anyone can do this. Place your pencil between your thumb and middle finger, then use the fingernail of your middle finger against the edge of the wood as a guide. As you draw the pencil along, your nail acts like a fence, helping you create a straight, consistent line.
Over time, something interesting happens—your eye develops a built-in measuring tape. You’ll start to instinctively know where a line should go without reaching for a ruler. This really shines when you’re working with ¾-inch plywood, especially when laying out pre-drilled countersink holes at ⅜ inch (half of ¾). Before long, you’ll recognize what ⅜ inch looks like, make your mark, and drill with confidence.
If this technique is new to you, I encourage you to give it a little practice. You may be surprised how quickly it becomes second nature—and how often you’ll use it without even thinking about it.
Happy woodworking, and I’ll see you in the next one. Jon