I would agree with the Other comments. The rotomatic is the most useful and is accurate to 1/64 easiely. My Talking tape measure is useful for rough stuff. I wouldn't trust it for fine work. I have had to have mine repaired twice so far. A Tape with a strong lock is just as good. It really doesn't matter what the measurement is as long as you can duplicate it multiple times accurately.
A set of good squares would be my second choice. I like the squares sold by woodpeck.com. Next I would get the setup blocks from Veritas. Leevalley sells them. This set includes a 1 2 3 block (very useful). It is a block 1" x 2" x3". A set of brass setup bars are very useful as well. I first heard of them on the router workshop on PBS. The device Ray Boyce mentioned using the Curtain Track is called a story stick. This is any 2 sticks that slide inside or past eachother that can be locked in place. The use of a story stick is extremely accurate. The use of a curtain track is a very good idea (very impressive). I would suggest building a miter station where you have a fence with a flip stop. This is how I achieve my most accurate cuts on Longer boards. Once it is set up, there is no need to measure from the blade. One can pick an easier measuring point and add the offset. On my saw, I know it is 3/16 between the blade and the start of the fence. So, if I measure from the fence to the stop block rather than the blade, I have to add 3/16; but, have an easier timedoing the measurement. Of course, when the blade is changed, you have to find out what the new offset is. When it is necessary to mark a board for cutting, I use a chisel. I put the flat side against the case of the tape, edge of the story stick or what ever. I mark just the corner. I then use my thumb nail in the mark to position the blade. We all have our own way of doing things. Just like Ray said. chisel. I put the flat side against the case of the tape, edge of the story stick or what ever. I mark just the corner. I then use my thumb nail in the mark to position the blade. We all have our own way of doing things. Just like Ray said. Be innovative and share what you have found. Terry
