Great idea! I just realized that when I work at the Makerspace here, I use the measuring tape on the front of the SawStop tablesaw all the time. And recessing the tape in the edge of the bench makes lots of sense, too.
Chris, just wanted to say that I’m thoroughly enjoying these Never Sponsored posts. (Although my wallet seems to get a bit thinner almost every time I finish reading one!) So thank you for the excellent advice and for the par excellence writing!
I'll be interested in seeing how this goes, over time. Can I ask, why metal, rather than another material? Also, did you consider inlaying it along the front of the bench, rather than the top?
I'm basically imitating what I used before: metal tape on the front corner of the benchtop. It worked great for many years on my old bench. I'll let you know how it goes....
The other option I considered was inlaying one of my nice vintage yardsticks into the benchtop. Or inlaying a long brass ruler, like a real tailor's workbench.
I am on my second Starrett 6-foot tape. If you've not applied one before, be aware that the ruler has a small length of an eighth or so inches beyond the measuring part, on the left end. If you glue it one flush as new, your tape length will not be the same as the bench length from your starting point. Sometimes it is helpful to have the starting point exactly in line with the left end of a workbench.
Great idea! I just realized that when I work at the Makerspace here, I use the measuring tape on the front of the SawStop tablesaw all the time. And recessing the tape in the edge of the bench makes lots of sense, too.
Chris, just wanted to say that I’m thoroughly enjoying these Never Sponsored posts. (Although my wallet seems to get a bit thinner almost every time I finish reading one!) So thank you for the excellent advice and for the par excellence writing!
I'll be interested in seeing how this goes, over time. Can I ask, why metal, rather than another material? Also, did you consider inlaying it along the front of the bench, rather than the top?
I'm basically imitating what I used before: metal tape on the front corner of the benchtop. It worked great for many years on my old bench. I'll let you know how it goes....
Pyrograpy or wood burning a rule on your bench might be an attractive alternative - but probably not as accurate
The other option I considered was inlaying one of my nice vintage yardsticks into the benchtop. Or inlaying a long brass ruler, like a real tailor's workbench.
I am on my second Starrett 6-foot tape. If you've not applied one before, be aware that the ruler has a small length of an eighth or so inches beyond the measuring part, on the left end. If you glue it one flush as new, your tape length will not be the same as the bench length from your starting point. Sometimes it is helpful to have the starting point exactly in line with the left end of a workbench.
Pretty cool, I have seen this in a suit tailor shop, I will have to try this.