Video Question-update Video posted

[Jim_Rogers]

If you could see a video on using one of these layout tools in this picture:



Which tool would it be?

Thanks for answering.

Jim Rogers

[danreed76]

If I had to pick just one, I'd say "I".  I've seen them referred to as "Big Al", but have never seen one used.  Typically such a simple looking tool has been well though out to make life easier, but I've just never seen one in use.  Once it's been fully explained, I'm sure I'll need to know where to get one.

[Mad Professor]

F and B.

That's all you really need.

WHOOPS!

I forgot, you need another piece of string/cordage and a weight for a plumb bob.

Then you can do fine 17th-18th century joinery!

[shinnlinger]

I'd second the big Al, I have read lots of hype (perhaps deserved) but never used or seen one. 

That said, all the slick uses of a framing square could be more beneficial as thats a tool I use alot but don't use it to it's fullest.

Dave

[beenthere]

R for me.

[Brad_bb]

Probably not so much the tools per sae, but teaching scribe technique.  Also teaching snap line square rule with twisted timber that you might otherwise cull.    I haven't really worked with those techniques yet besides a demo, to have them down pat.
  One thing I may demo on a video is my sharpening technique - sand paper method.  I'm getting a new modern computer in the next week or two, and I'm going to get an decent editing software to play with editing myself.

[ljmathias]

Jim: you've opened up a can of worms or maybe better said, a well-stocked tool box.  Each of the tools I use needs a video or two on its own, and some of those shown I don't even know what they are or could be used for- H and K for example.  Starting with the Big Al is skipping all the tools you'd use before and after you get to it... so this means you also have a cart and horse problem: where to start, where to start.

Well, whatever is your first choice, I'm waiting with great anticipation.  I applaud your willingness to spend the effort and time (assuming that's why you asked?     ).

I once hosted a teacher training event for a week in the summer, and we thought it would be cool to teach them how to do video for classroom instruction.  Brought in the head of that department on campus to help with this.  His first words to the group were strange: "If you're thinking of doing video, don't."  His point was, as he explained at length: only use video when you absolutely have to.  It's hard to do right, it's expensive (was back then, not so much now) and most people learn just as well with good pictures and step-by-step instructions they can read over and over again as they digest the material and develop skill.  He did point out, though, that for some things, video IS absolutely the best way to teach.  For me personally, a combination of the two works great- a video to get started, showing in general the overall process, along with the step-by-step with pictures for me to study, then print and carry out to the barn where I'll try it out.

Lj

[Jim_Rogers]

It will be a few days before I can tape, edit and produce a video as I am milling on site this week and don't have the mill here to make a fresh timber to use in the show.

Also, I am helping a client prepare for a raising this Sunday.

Thanks to all who have posted the selections. All will be considered and if they can be combined and used into one or two videos I will try my best to do so.

Note to self, find parallel line ruler.......

Jim Rogers

[classicadirondack]

Either a Big Al or the framing square.  Looking forward to whatever you decide.  Maybe a whole series?

[dukndog]

I agree with Brad. I would also say the "Big Al" and "A", the calculator...or at least all the trig it takes to figure complex angle's.

Thanks Jim!!!

DnD

[Mad Professor]

I agree with Brad. I would also say the "Big Al" and "A", the calculator...or at least all the trig it takes to figure complex angle's.

Thanks Jim!!!

DnD

If you study your trig and analytic geometry you can do/layout the angles with a divider  : )

[frwinks]

F and B.

That's all you really need.

x2 on F/B.   Most of the info out there assumes straight sticks, 90deg faces and mill and square rule. 
As most of us know, that's not always the case for whatever reasons.  Knowing how to deal with "special" sticks, can give a framer the confidence to tackle anything/everything thrown at them   Framing is so much more fun when you can pick up any (and I mean ANY) pc of wood and make it work in whatever you're working on IMO. 
When cutting/splitting wood earlier in the season, I pulled a dozen or so pcs that I thought  did not deserve to be burnt   One day they will make very handsome, naturally curved braces

[jander3]

K and R. Don't know how to use either.

Once you go to Big Al, that's it, you never look back!


And, I'm glad the Big Al is tough.  You can drop that tool on the driveway many times and it still stays square.

[canopy]

Any would be good. But I'd also like a good snap line square rule guide which would use some of these tools pretty heavily. There is a thread on this board already "Dealing with out of square timbers" that a member describes/uses it. But it would be nice to have a methodical step by step process for doing it correctly and efficiently.

[Magicman]

I would say "D", the framing square.  Sure I use one regularly, but there are many hidden or unknown "secrets" stored in it.

On another tool; many folks, even some experienced carpenters, don't know what the little "diamond" that is printed about every 19" on "N" represents.

[John S]

Big Al and framing square.

[witterbound]

I've got a Big Al in my barn that I really never used.  We used snap lines to lay out my frame, so Big Al didn't work the way we did it.  If anyone wants it, I'd probably be willing to part with it for the right price.

[Raider Bill]

I would say "D", the framing square.  Sure I use one regularly, but there are many hidden or unknown "secrets" stored in it.

On another tool; many folks, even some experienced carpenters, don't know what the little "diamond" that is printed about every 19" on "N" represents.

Floor joist or roofing stringer marks that fall out a even 48" for layout is what I used them for. Most good tapes have them also.

[Jim_Rogers]

I have completed some videos about the tools on the list.
Some of the videos I was thinking of sharing were the recent ones I did.

I haven't finished editing them yet, so they would be some what "raw" videos. But you could still get some useful information out of them.

For first hand exclusive look at these sign up for this Sunday morning "chat/coaching" session.

[mikerat]

My vote is for the I or the Big Al I just ordered one from the TFG and am playing with it in the basement, my second choice would be the Framing Square.


Mike