Scored Story Stick -- Dead On Accurate

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  • Опубліковано 8 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 249

  • @gideonvaneeden2681
    @gideonvaneeden2681 9 місяців тому +14

    All your videos are great. Learn a great deal and learn the "why" for most things, making the concepts stick far better.

  • @johnwente1413
    @johnwente1413 2 роки тому +33

    I really like how you include explanations of thing like parallax with graphics to enforce the idea visually. That is one of the best teaching methods I know. I spent 40+ years as an electronics engineer, but my BS degree is in Technical Education. That technique is one of the tools I learned about in my degree program. I hadn't even thought about it for many years until I saw this video. Kudos!

  • @alanwasserman8176
    @alanwasserman8176 2 роки тому +36

    Nick what a great tip, as an engineer when I use to put lead to vellum I was told to rotate the pencil and I do that for my projects, when I would cut the wood I would be short by a 1/32 to a 1/64th I thought it was my saw or tape measure, went out and tried your tip and THANK YOU I was dead on, now I know why I have your books lol Thank you Nick

  • @Isa187
    @Isa187 6 місяців тому +12

    How can you possibly give this video a 'thumbs down'? The man is spitting jewels

  • @anonymousaccordionist3326
    @anonymousaccordionist3326 2 роки тому +6

    I can never watch _part_ of one of your videos. Not every single one of them always applies directly to my small projects, but no matter my initial intentions when clicking the video I watch them beginning to end 100% of the time. Better yet, I learn something valuable each and every time as well.

  • @CrapE_DM
    @CrapE_DM Місяць тому +3

    I've seen others talk about marking with a knife, but they always said to use a marking knife. I was so glad to see you show the use of a utility knife too! At worst, you'll be off by half the thickness of the blade, which is almost never a problem

    • @jonathanratcliffe5714
      @jonathanratcliffe5714 23 дні тому +1

      I took a fine woodworking class last year and we were shown marking out with cheap folding utility knives as well as proper marking knives. The tutor used the utility knife almost exclusively including to mark out dovetails. There was no discernable difference in accuracy as long as you angle the utility knife to ensure the cutting edge is tight against the ruler.

  • @jumpinjohnnyruss
    @jumpinjohnnyruss 2 роки тому +13

    Nick is a great man. These videos are packed tight with useful, relevant information.

  • @colrodrick8784
    @colrodrick8784 Рік тому +3

    This is brilliant. Obviously I need to go watch to the future and watch your older videos mate. That comment about memory is so true, at least in my case. I couldn't tell you what I had for breakfast this morning. I had never ever thought of slipping a blade into the recess of a mark that you can feel. I'm going to give that a try. Cheers Nick. You are, as we say here in Oz, a legend.

  • @lanceyohe6026
    @lanceyohe6026 3 місяці тому +3

    Excellent video and its nice to see these skills and methods kept alive. I like to attach a small piece of flat quarter or half inch plywood at the beginning of my story sticks. This way I have a visual and physical reference point - learnt this in a ‘teachable moment’.

  • @WyattBest
    @WyattBest 4 місяці тому +3

    I've never heard anyone besides my dad say "Good enough for government work." Instant credibility!
    Wish I'd seen this video sooner. I'm halfway through making crude kitchen cabinets.

    • @kiowablue2862
      @kiowablue2862 2 місяці тому

      When I was in the USAF, we'd jokingly say that good enough for government work consisted of:
      Measuring it with a micrometer. Marking it with a crayon. Cutting it with an axe.

  • @theofarmmanager267
    @theofarmmanager267 2 роки тому +7

    I’ve been woodworking for over 45 years. I still learn every day (okay, perhaps not every day; let’s say every few days). Sometimes it’s stuff I knew but left behind in favour of a bad technique; occasionally, it’s stuff I never knew.
    For all those who are realities newbies (which, at my age, must be over 90% of the viewers), this channel is one of those “must watch even though I think I know it all”. Very well presented with a total absence of condescension, it delivers its message every time.
    The saying used to be; carpenters use a carpenters pencil; a joiner uses a pencil and a cabinet maker uses a knife. Well, those lines are blurred but it’s a good saying to have in your mind when you reach for a pencil when you should be using a knife. Sometimes absolute accuracy (which I think of as +/- 0.1mm or around 5 thousand of an inch) just isn’t necessary. If you are using solid timber, the piece is likely to move much more than that as it reacts to humidity. However, it’s never a bad thing to be more accurate than you need; better than being less accurate than you need.
    The score line left by the knife is a superb guide if you need to chisel at that point. Two issues with a knife:
    - you can’t erase a scored line as you can a pencil line. Try and work on the reverse side of the piece as scored limes don’t tend to matter there or, as I do, use a 0.5mm lead in a mechanical pencil.
    - if you are sawing at the scored line, you would normally cut just past the line on the waste side, and shoot the timber back to where you want it to be. However, the scored line could make your saw start there and not on the waste side.
    Neither are reasons not to use a knife but just things you need to be aware of.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks for sharing.

    • @davidguenther8170
      @davidguenther8170 2 роки тому

      Measure with a micrometer, mark with chalk and cut with a chainsaw. 🤣 Back in the day, we had carpenters that it seemed like used this method. Had one guy who could unintentionally cut a quarter inch deep curve across the width of a 2x4. )

    • @theofarmmanager267
      @theofarmmanager267 2 роки тому +1

      @@davidguenther8170 I think you are being rather harsh on your colleague. It must take real skill to cut that quarter inch deep curve; I don’t think I could do it.

    • @davidguenther8170
      @davidguenther8170 2 роки тому

      @@theofarmmanager267 Not really. He warped and burned up a few saw blades. Some people just weren't meant to be saw men. By the way, 40+ years as a carpenter here.

  • @Matey-850cc
    @Matey-850cc 10 місяців тому +3

    I thought I was doing so well with sharp pencils but your marking methods are awesome. Using ruler indents makes so much sense. Filling the knife score with pencil lead and removing the excess is nothing short of brilliant for my old eyes. Thank you 🙂

  • @guybowers9094
    @guybowers9094 2 роки тому +7

    I took a cabinet class at our local college and the instructor taught us how to use the story stick and I still use it when making cabinets and other projects. Also, he showed us pics of many custom cabinets he built over the years using a story stick. What a great tool

  • @garywagner2863
    @garywagner2863 20 днів тому

    Always clear, concise & so informative. The best woodworking videos available!,

  • @andykirk2168
    @andykirk2168 2 роки тому +45

    I always enjoy your tips and knowledge. I am a second generation woodworker my father was able to spin a hammer as usual. When he was interviewing a new carpenter he would ask him if they could spin the hammer. If they could spin the hammer he said he would keep his eye on them obviously they’ve been fooling around too much.😂😂😂

    • @lapindespices2806
      @lapindespices2806 2 роки тому +2

      I'm actually curious to know if there is any story behind the spinner-handle-ring accessory.

    • @timshannonnd1054
      @timshannonnd1054 2 роки тому +8

      I used to be the foreman on our crew. Sometimes I'd have to hire other carpenters. My test was whether they were more leaning to mo, larry or Curly. If they leaned to Shemp, they too were in strong consideration. If, however, they were NOT fans of the 3 stooges, then they were likely not going to be hired. After all, if they were going to fit in with the rest of us knuckleheads, they had to be up to snuff.😀

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  2 роки тому +11

      Your father was a wise man.

  • @trevnevit123
    @trevnevit123 18 днів тому

    This qualifies as philanthropy for me, the knowledge you share is priceless, thank you.

  • @josephthompson4363
    @josephthompson4363 23 дні тому

    I learned this method 50 years ago and never found anything better. Very well demonstrated.

  • @grbluen
    @grbluen 4 місяці тому +2

    It's easily the most useful video I've found in decades of youtube!

  • @autumn5592
    @autumn5592 2 роки тому +6

    Thanks for bringing attention to parallax on measuring tools. I feel like to many people don't understand it, and then wonder why their cuts are off all the time.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  2 роки тому +2

      You're most welcome. And you're right -- this is an important detail that too often gets less attention than it deserves.

    • @Toni-oy5gu
      @Toni-oy5gu 24 дні тому

      Yep, thats me 😊

  • @wilhelmtaylor9863
    @wilhelmtaylor9863 2 роки тому +3

    Thanks, Nick. Even though we seasoned wood workers know this, it's always good to get the occasional refresher to maintain skills.

  • @kailawes175
    @kailawes175 2 роки тому +5

    I'm loving this channel man. I work at a frame shop and your videos are informative and digestible

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  2 роки тому +3

      Thanks for your kinds words about the vids, but you really shouldn't eat them. At least, not more than one or two at a time...;-)

  • @larsonbennett5903
    @larsonbennett5903 2 роки тому +2

    Great ideas. Thanks for sharing this method for better accuracy. Once upon a time, I used a story stick and still do.

  • @ianpearse4480
    @ianpearse4480 Рік тому +3

    I love that expression. Good enough for government work. Great share, thank you.

    • @siitupe
      @siitupe 7 місяців тому +1

      As someone who knows a government worker, I approve this message!😂

  • @tonybegin4300
    @tonybegin4300 2 роки тому

    I watch hundreds of videos on various subjects, and yours are always on point, well thought of, and frankly a pleasure to watch and learn. Thanks friend!!!

  • @alexlahti4001
    @alexlahti4001 2 роки тому

    My first video of yours i saw was your cutting and handling of plywood video, what you did there was so incredibly simple yet brilliant. I am looking forward to all of your videos. I happen to be a machinest by trade, and as I am certain you are aware of many of us have gone into wood. Thank you for sharing the knowledge that you do, too many keep it too closely guarded and do not pass the information onto the next generation.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  2 роки тому

      Your most welcome. You may be amused to here that I am a woodworker who went into machining -- have been building pioneer aircraft replicas for 20 years, and you both.

  • @farrierss1724
    @farrierss1724 2 роки тому

    I never watch one of these videos without getting value. Always a tip I can use.
    Nick is experience presented, instead of a presentation experience.
    Also thanks for not shoving product at me Ala JKM and many others. I've reached the point of not even clicking those anymore.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  2 роки тому

      You're most welcome, but I have to warn you that advertising may be the only way we can sustain this effort. Our plans sales were keeping us afloat, but inflation has changed that.

  • @davidguenther8170
    @davidguenther8170 2 роки тому +3

    I often use more than one face for the story stick, ie., One face for vertical measurements and a perpendicular face for horizontal measurements. A couple of times, I used all four faces for the different measurements on a project because there were vertical rail height differences between sets of cabinets, although they were all the same height overall.

  • @jerrystark3587
    @jerrystark3587 2 роки тому +2

    Great technique and advice. Thanks!
    P.S. I remember the pencil rotating technique from drafting class over 50 years ago. Some advice just stays with you. (I wish I could say the same for ALL the good advice I received.)

  • @gilmarcordeirojunior1526
    @gilmarcordeirojunior1526 2 роки тому +1

    Great tip Nick! Thanks for always entertain and teach us at the same time! God bless you!

  • @davidrobins4025
    @davidrobins4025 2 роки тому

    This is one of the most useful tips I have heard in a long time. I'm about to build three doors for my basement rooms and will be able to use this information for each of them. Thank you.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  2 роки тому

      Glad to have been of help.

    • @charliejohnston5334
      @charliejohnston5334 2 роки тому

      Story sticks are invaluable for hanging doors, too, when you don’t have a multi jig hinge template. If doing production door replacements on an entire house, it will make you some serious money.

  • @ronpost587
    @ronpost587 2 роки тому +2

    Great tip. I'll be using this method for all my critical measurements in the future.

  • @steveschultz300
    @steveschultz300 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for these tips. I have been trying to figure out why my cabinets are always a tidge off. Now I know that I have to adopt a "new" way.

  • @toddarmstrong.trackside.action
    @toddarmstrong.trackside.action Місяць тому

    thank you.... this is the best carpentry advice I've seen in a long time

  • @lemhanback9595
    @lemhanback9595 2 роки тому

    This was timely for me, as I will soon be trying to make my wife the cabinets she wants. So will use this to help me. Still loving your sense of humor.

  • @lafamillecarrington
    @lafamillecarrington 23 дні тому

    Some great tips - particularly the parallax one.
    I still do the pencil-rolling trick. I thought I'd come up with that myself!

  • @houstonsam6163
    @houstonsam6163 Рік тому

    Trying to learn how to make and use story sticks. Many thanks for such a clear explanation.

  • @OneIdeaTooMany
    @OneIdeaTooMany 2 роки тому

    I like woodworking but I have terrible double vision which always meant that measuring and marking things took way longer than everyone else. This video is really well timed as I'm trying to make my own cabinets and this technique works better for me because the indentation in the wood are easier to see and feel. Thanks!

  • @andrewwagg7840
    @andrewwagg7840 2 роки тому

    The clarity of your explanation just reinforces that the best is often the most simple. The only thing I would add to this otherwise brilliant clip would be to mark the story stick just in case you need it later in the project

  • @makeyourownsawdust9225
    @makeyourownsawdust9225 Рік тому +1

    Good video. Liked your scribing knife and broke into watching the video to search for one. Found plenty with wood and plastic handles; found your one on eBay and ordered it. Now, back to the video and see how to use it.

  • @raydriver7300
    @raydriver7300 2 роки тому +2

    I really like your style. Information and humour in equal measure 🌞

  • @skigglystars9525
    @skigglystars9525 2 роки тому +3

    Yet again interesting content delivered like no other.

  • @LordMondegrene
    @LordMondegrene Рік тому

    Yay, story sticks! I just saw a video on "ticking sticks" so now I've got TWO crazy woodworking sticks to try out!

  • @gsp911
    @gsp911 2 роки тому

    Every time I watch one of your videos I learn something new. 👍
    Thanks for the video.

  • @mattedwards4533
    @mattedwards4533 2 роки тому

    My stepfather was a furniture maker, he was Japanese and used all hand tools to make fabulous traditional Japanese furniture. I never saw a pencil in his shop? He always used a scoring knife as you recommended.

  • @alancampbell8760
    @alancampbell8760 2 роки тому +1

    What a great tip, now stored in my brain for my next project to be started soon, thank you

  • @steelframe
    @steelframe 2 роки тому +1

    Here is a similar trick when needing a repetitive layout on an industrial scale: You can use drywall tape to layout soffits, restrooms or anything else that needs to have duplicated framing or joinery.
    The tape doesn't stretch and if you use waterproof ink and a sharp pointed pen you can add marks and notes as needed. The tape rolls up neatly and if you take care of it can last for months. Handy if you need to layout dozens (or hundreds) of features on a large job, or to simply transfer elevations around a room. Just include a registration mark to align with a laser or grid line.

  • @flowleopard893
    @flowleopard893 Рік тому

    I have become a fan! Great info and perfect presentation. 5 stars!

  • @natej6671
    @natej6671 2 роки тому

    Excellent video, narration and animation. As one of those extinct species draftsman, I cant help but endorse this video.

  • @ArnallWoodworks
    @ArnallWoodworks 9 днів тому

    90° ruler to the wood. Genius tip Thanks.

  • @wiseoldfool
    @wiseoldfool 2 роки тому +1

    Great video, Nick.

  • @sapelesteve
    @sapelesteve 2 роки тому +1

    Another excellent demonstration & tutorial Nick! Great information for measurements that are both accurate & consistent. Bookmarking this video for later viewing! Thanks... 👍👍👏👏🔨🔨

  • @steven_vogt
    @steven_vogt Місяць тому

    Always. I Always get a great "why didn't I think of that before??" moment when watching your videos. This time it was using a metal ruler at 90 degrees to eliminate paralax. Duh.... :)
    I can't tell you how much I value your channel.
    PS I couldn't tell if you were using the phrase "good enough for govt work" in its original meaning (excellent work) or jokingly in its more common, modern usage (bare minimum). I suspect the former :)

  • @frankhill9527
    @frankhill9527 2 роки тому

    Awesome common information that I didn't think about. I will use this method going forward. Thanks for sharing.

  • @prayertool
    @prayertool 2 роки тому

    Learned things here I never knew!!! Thank you so much.

  • @harindergill7221
    @harindergill7221 2 роки тому +1

    Very useful tip, good video, Thanks.

  • @ivanwalker3391
    @ivanwalker3391 2 роки тому

    "Fall out in the same order they went in". Priceless!

  • @jwm6314
    @jwm6314 Місяць тому +1

    I learned from Rob Cosman to use a marking knife. Changed my game completely.

  • @steves7896
    @steves7896 2 роки тому

    Parallax. Now I've got a name for an aspect I've been challenged with for so long.
    Yup, I 'zero' with the 1" mark and add an inch to the measurement. I do well to keep from dropping my rulers on their ends and deforming them but still don't trust them either.
    I like my framers square and mechanical pencils. But there are times when I need this level of accuracy.
    Addressing parallax again, I wish someone made a flat tape measure instead of the usual concave one.
    Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!

  • @malcolmhodgson7540
    @malcolmhodgson7540 2 роки тому

    This is top ‘notch’ work!

  • @lonniemartinez9765
    @lonniemartinez9765 Рік тому +1

    Excellent. I don't need such accuracy, I don't do such fine work, but it is good information to know

  • @dolphinliam888
    @dolphinliam888 Рік тому

    I have several. One marked for 16's, one for 12's, one for 24's. Even a little pocket on for 6's and 8's for neat nailing. And of course one with 6, 8, 10 (pythagoras). With a hammer, saw, nails knife and a stick and I can build a house, neatly and accurately.

  • @bradleytuckwell4881
    @bradleytuckwell4881 2 роки тому

    Always a pleasure to watch and learn from you Nick you are awesome at what you do thanks

  • @joshuahasson9687
    @joshuahasson9687 2 роки тому

    I’m willing to bet that you’ve forgotten more about wood working then I’ll ever know in 3 lifetimes of working wood. Fabulous video!

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  2 роки тому +1

      The operative word there is forgotten. Fortunately, I wrote most of it down. Somewhere.

  • @gordeneden
    @gordeneden 2 роки тому

    ❤Excellent and well done. Appreciate you and your teaching style.

  • @johnpayne6196
    @johnpayne6196 2 роки тому +1

    Great. Once again. John

  • @robertgdansk
    @robertgdansk 8 місяців тому

    Simple and awsome! ❤ Some alternative might be to use thin automatic pencil 😊

  • @David.M.
    @David.M. 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks Nick, great idea.

  • @talltimberswoodshop7552
    @talltimberswoodshop7552 2 роки тому +1

    I like it! I'll use it on the next project that it makes sense to do so.

  • @MG-vo7is
    @MG-vo7is Місяць тому +1

    Great advice. Thank you.

  • @NMranchhand
    @NMranchhand 26 днів тому

    Once again, Nick…
    Thanks.

  • @justplanebob105
    @justplanebob105 2 роки тому +1

    Excellent advice. Thank you!

  • @charlesday4667
    @charlesday4667 21 день тому +1

    Outstanding! Thank you!

  • @MCsCreations
    @MCsCreations 2 роки тому

    Brilliant, Nick! Thanks a bunch for the tips! 😃
    Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

  • @CharlesHuse
    @CharlesHuse 5 годин тому

    That earned a like and a subscribe…and a comment. I think I just found a shop teacher I can actually relate to.

  • @vic_tim7956
    @vic_tim7956 2 роки тому

    Excellent method and perfectly presented - thanks.

  • @rodpotts2666
    @rodpotts2666 2 роки тому +1

    Man, I enjoy your videos!

  • @bigal25938
    @bigal25938 11 годин тому

    I pay attention to my pencil line and cut on the edge of the line. Put one side of the saw on the edge of the line. Works well.

  • @ChuckCooper
    @ChuckCooper 2 роки тому

    It's so much fun learning these things. Thank you.

  • @alext8828
    @alext8828 2 роки тому +1

    This guy ain't foolin' around. I need to share this video.

  • @safistype5952
    @safistype5952 Рік тому +1

    I'll use it, thanks!

  • @RobCardIV
    @RobCardIV 3 місяці тому

    I rarely add videos to my "Masterclass, Stone, Steel, Wood" playlist.
    I added this one.

  • @EastWindCommunity1973
    @EastWindCommunity1973 2 роки тому +1

    Great video, love the new animations!

  • @justmakeit2849
    @justmakeit2849 2 роки тому

    Lovely work and entertaining!

  • @markkoons7488
    @markkoons7488 2 роки тому +1

    Good tips all. Thank you.

  • @georgedennison3338
    @georgedennison3338 Рік тому

    I picked up scoring from hanging sheet rock. One day decided to layout some wood the same way, & have been doing so whenever I need more accuracy than a pencil gives.
    Seems like my dang pencils always have broken tips, anyway; a blade's always sharp enough for scoring.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Рік тому

      I hear you. A knife always makes a sharp line, and the point rarely breaks.

  • @KoalityofLife
    @KoalityofLife 2 роки тому

    I have a question not related to this video. I'm new to woodworking and I work mostly with blue pine because I like the look of it and I get it from my property. I want to line my house (around 1800 sqft) with blue pine but I don't know what to finish it with or if I can just put it up without finishing it. I don't want a finish that might start to flake off in 5-10 years as I would have to strip all the wood to refinish it. I don't care about a fingerprint here and there as I want my house to be lived in and I think of marks as memories. As far as my idea of not finishing it, my thought was that if there was a dark smudge that I really didn't want I could take some fine sandpaper and remove it, but I don't know if there are ramifications to not finishing wood that would outweigh that idea. Any thoughts would be great. Thank you. :)

  • @garygilbert1526
    @garygilbert1526 19 днів тому

    Excellent Video ! Thank you very much

  • @danlittle519
    @danlittle519 2 роки тому +1

    Another great vid

  • @terrypriest6471
    @terrypriest6471 9 місяців тому

    Second best marker is a mechanical pencil. Pentel is a standard brand. Choose from lead thickness 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and hardness 2H, H, HB.

  • @tedrzz
    @tedrzz 2 роки тому

    Brilliant, thank you for this!! Definitely using this next time!!

  • @natepeterson7145
    @natepeterson7145 Рік тому

    So Mr. Engler we're or are you a shop teacher. If not you missed your calling. Great videos 👍

  • @janicesmyth2183
    @janicesmyth2183 Рік тому

    oh my god. We need this. You should be on this old house!

  • @BoyceBailey
    @BoyceBailey 2 роки тому +1

    Well explained gold.

  • @DanBetta
    @DanBetta 2 роки тому

    My dad taught me "good enough for govern'ment work"! Cheers!

  • @perryjones207
    @perryjones207 28 днів тому +1

    I can relate to you on memory💯

  • @larryjacobs5713
    @larryjacobs5713 Місяць тому +1

    You are amazing!

  • @hansangb
    @hansangb 2 роки тому

    @3:26 That's the story of my life! LOL

  • @kkuenzel56
    @kkuenzel56 23 дні тому +1

    Brilliant!!!

  • @Tensquaremetreworkshop
    @Tensquaremetreworkshop 2 роки тому +1

    Precise, yes. Accurate, yes. Dead on, no. All measurements have tolerances, and we forget that at our peril. Nothing is perfect, and it is wise to always keep that in mind. A machinist works with this every day.

    • @addammadd
      @addammadd Рік тому

      A perfectly appropriate comment on a machinist’s video. This is a woodworking channel and we forget this at our peril.

    • @Tensquaremetreworkshop
      @Tensquaremetreworkshop Рік тому

      @@addammadd Woodworkers also work to tolerances; larger ones perhaps, but still tolerances. And those a cabinetmaker would work to are finer than, say, a blacksmith. Your standards are set not by your materials, but by your ambitions. A closed mind has never improved quality.

  • @johnpayne6196
    @johnpayne6196 20 днів тому +1

    Great - again.