Tool time: Incra rulers

The Incra set (they have many more models)

Marking/scribing rulers have come some way since I last checked. These are laser-cut, laser-engraved, with built-in templates accurate to sub-millimeters. Although not cheap, they are not dirty expensive.

The straight ruler is the most boring one, and I can imagine only very few necessary uses for it, so I won't focus on that as much. As a part of the set it has a purpose so I don't mind.

The bend ruler markings are only accurate to a millimeter, but the other rulers have a 1/4mm granularity, achieved with rows and rows of offset tiny holes. Here the bend ruler can be complemented with the straight ruler, should more precision be needed.

Bend ruler

The bend ruler, which could be called a saddle ruler, is useful for marking around the corner of a small piece. The end part also helps in scribing parallel to the piece, and finding the centre.

The bend is not in perfect 90-degree alignment, and you have to push it rather firmly against the piece to get results.

The T-square is the most interesting of the lot, and perhaps most versatile. Obviously a straight edge is needed to begin with.

T-Square with some blemishes from my sweaty fingers

The T-square had to be assembled, which made me worry it wouldn't be accurate. However, the parts connect firmly enough. 

Testing the angle wasn't as easy as with a normal try square, as this doesn't work when flipped around. A rudimentary test with marking lines from opposite edges of a machined chipboard looked it would be precise at least in these distances.

To find a centre, it's better to trace from both sides rather than trust a direct reading. This is very simple to do with the Incra T-Square.

Finding the centre from two directions, using the 10mm slot.

A suitable pencil was supplied with two of the rulers. It's worth noting that scribing and marks require some composure and practice, it's not entirely automatic. The pencil tip might be uneven and result in slight inaccuracies.

It may be helpful to decide which side of the hole you press the pencil against, to have more uniform results. I didn't get any problems really.

Some of the ruler positions have slightly diamond-shaped holes, which I guess would help in making the trace more accurately.

The macro lens adds some fish-eye here, the ruler is obviously straight as a rail.

Although these rulers are probably mostly intended for high-precision woodworking joinery. I make rather modest boxes, as can be witnessed from my blog. Even then the added accuracy can help, so they are not going to remain unused.

These rulers are metric, but for through-hole electronics related tasks an imperial set might make sense.

For just doodling around the set would be somewhat expensive, but not as expensive as Woodpecker T-squares. Although I have my eye on some of them too.

Another macro shot, detailing the pencil head connecting with the ruler.

In woodworking it's often more desirable to use repeatable settings and jigs, rather than following markings one by one. Drawing the intended cut and then cutting it, can result in a poor procedure. With hand tools you might not have a choice, though.

Oh, and a ruler can be called a "rule", giving rise to the "Incra rules" pun on the rulers... but perhaps they do?