Pro tip: I thought using a chalk line for long cuts was a waste of time

I was framing a shed roof in Bellingham last Tuesday and needed a straight 16 foot cut on a sheet of plywood. My helper insisted on snapping a line instead of just using a straight edge. I was sure it would be slower, but we tried it. The cut was perfect on the first try, and we saved about 15 minutes of fiddling and re-measuring. Has anyone else found a simple tool they used to skip that actually saves time?

3 comments

3 Comments

seanjackson21d ago

Ever try a laser level for layout? Ngl, I was stubborn like @logan_ellis with his speed square, but it makes lining up long stuff so fast. Just stops all the second-guessing.

logan_ellis21d ago

Honestly, I used to feel the same way about speed squares for quick marks. Tbh, they seemed like a crutch until I started using one for all my rafter cuts. Now I won't start a cut without it, saves so much headache.

ray13621d ago

Wait, you were still freehanding long cuts before this? That's wild, @seanjackson would lose his mind lol.