Woodpeckers’ new edge rule is designed to make layout work easier and more precise. By having the ruler aligned with the edge of a board, you can concentrate on your markings, rather than making sure your ruler is parallel to the edge.
The short leg of the edge rule is 3/8″ wide, which lets you make markings on stock as narrow as 7/16″. The 3/8″ inch width also allows you to use the rules as a center finder for an edge of 1″ (3/4″ actual) stock. Using the short leg, if you draw lines from each edge of the board, the center is between the lines (or on the line).
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The long leg of the edge rule is 3/4″ wide, which would allow you to find the center of the edge of 2x (1-1/2″ actual) materials.
The wrap over design lets you mark the both the edge and face of a board at the same time.
See Also: Woodworking Saddle Squares
They don’t explicitly say the rules are made from aluminum, but that’s a pretty safe assumption given that it’s the most common material they use to make most of their tools. Plus they mention anodizing the rules to give them their “Woodpeckers Red” color.
The two legs of the ruler come together at an 89° angle, which helps ensure that the measurement edge is tight against the face and edge of the board. The edges are beveled to put the scale closer to the surface, to minimize parallax error. You can also use the rule on a flat surface.
The laser engraved scale on the Imperial rules is graduated in 1/32″ increments and has markings at every 1/4″. Woodpeckers guarantees scale to be accurate to ±0.003″ at any point along the scale.
There are 10 different edge rule purchasing options. Right now Woodpeckers is offering the rules at a lower introductory price, but they don’t say when the sale prices will end. Below I’ve listed all the rules and have marked the sale prices in bold and put the regular prices are in parenthesis.
- 6″ Edge Rule: $9.99 (reg. $12.99)
- 12″ Edge Rule: $19.99 (reg. $22.99)
- 24″ Edge Rule: $24.99 (reg. $29.99)
- 36″ Edge Rule: $29.99 (reg. $34.99)
- Imperial Set with 6″, 12″, 24″, and 36″ Edge Rules: $79.99 (reg. $89.99)
- 150mm Edge Rule: $9.99 (reg. $9.99)
- 300mm Edge Rule: $19.99 (reg. $22.99)
- 600mm Edge Rule: $24.99 (reg. $29.99)
- 900mm Edge Rule: $29.99 (reg. $34.99)
- Metric Set with 150mm, 300mm, 600mm, and 900mm Edge Rules: $79.99 (reg $89.99)
Woodpeckers says they rules should ship somewhere from late November and early December 2018. It appears that for now you can only get these new rules directly though the Woodpeckers site.
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First Thoughts
I had just about written off posting about new Woodpeckers tools until I saw the email introducing the new edge ruler. It seems that as of late, they have been making more specialized tools at prohibitive prices.
This new ruler intrigues me a bit, as not only is it “reasonably” priced for a precision ruler, but it’s an interesting concept. I know there have been times when I’m using a hook rule or a tape measure hooked to the end of a board and I’m not holding it parallel to the edge. It may not make a huge difference, but it’s just one more place to introduce error.
Is it worth me picking up one or two to test? Or is it just another gimmick?
Bob Hinden says
I wonder how they compare with the Incra Bend Rulers? These come in 6″, 12″ and 18″ lengths. They have the nice marking features of Incra rules, and in this case, allows marking on both planes of a board.
The Woodpecker edge rule comes in longer lengths. Surprising to me, the Woodpecker ones are cheaper.
Redcastle says
I have had a set of INCRA tools for many years including the ruler I believe you are referring to and the protrator, etc.
They are brilliant and given the point marker system would probably be even more accurate than these Woodpeckers, having said that even at the nondiscounted price they would be very cheap given Woodpeckers normal pricing.
I grew up with the Imperial system of measurement and about half way through my school career the UK went metric however it is still common to hear “2.4 metres of 4″ by 2” a sort of builder’s Spanglish.
For the last two years I have made a conscious effort to be purely metric, as finer tolerances are easier to achieve so I only need to look at half of their rulers.
If Woodpecker can produce tools to their traditional quality at these sort of prices it would be good news indeed.
Gordon says
The price actually shocked me considering it’s a Woodpeckers product. I expected it to be 2-3x more expensive. I shouldn’t ask for too much, but a metric and inch discounted combo would be nice to see.
ca says
As did I. In fact, I read the article just so I could have a laugh at the exorbitant price but it’s actually bordering on the reasonable.
Chris M. says
I also get these emails and I always am intrigued by the woodpeckers tool line. The unique features get my attention, the obnoxious prices quickly dissuade me. That being said, this edge rule is very fairly priced and has enough functionality and value added features for me to actually buy this time.
Adam says
It seems useful to me.
I’ll probably pick up a set, especially since it’s not as ridiculously expensive as their tools usually are.
John says
I see another use for the longer 2 (24″ and 36″) for marking and centre punching for the holes on a pipe or tube. I always have problems on long sections getting the markings right on.
Yes I could build a marking jig….maybe I can put it on page 4 of jobs to do….which at the current rate would be start date December 2020!
fred says
Stanley used to make something similar (perhaps not as elegant or precise) in a 24 inch size – that no longer available:
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-45-101-24-Inch-MaxStick-Straight/dp/B00009P8AJ/
Chris Stephenson says
Granted the pricing was less than I anticipated, especially from woodpeckers. I ordered the set, as I can see the usefulness.
Nathan says
cheaper than I would have thought when I read woodpeckers.
I’m still noodling the 89 degree thing. so the arms aren’t square. on a squared board it would have a tick of wobble back and forth on the corner.
I assume this is to accommodate any uneven ness in the board you’re marking. Wonder if it would matter. when I read that I thought it would annoy me using it. But I bet I wouldn’t notice.
fred says
Actually – undercutting the angle should make it less wobbly. Certainly 91 degrees might wobble – but 89 is more likely to sort of pinch the board as you press in. A bit of the same principle in reverse about why you might back cut a molding to form a relief and make it fit tighter along its edge
Framer joe says
Another fine woodpecker product. Never understand the problem with cost. If you own a business , it’s a write off. If your DIY I’m sure you spend money on other items not needed……I love Woodpecker tools and that they’re made in the USA …
Always support American companies.
ktash says
Some years ago I got their saddle square and use it all the time to mark lengths and mark around boards. More than the incra rules I have. This looks to be something that I’d use as much, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the prices. Now, which ones to get? I use metric part of the time and would like to go to it more often. Probably some of metric and imperial, but not all of them. So which lengths.
Koko the Talking Ape says
I really, really want these. They seem to have thought of everything. I can see that the inside corner, between the two legs, is recessed slightly to allow for the whisker often left by ripping.
ktash says
It looks like these are not a one-time tool. That’s good news because you can try them out and order more later if you find you could benefit from a different size. There is a wait time for them.
Redcastle says
Any moment now I expect Woodpecker to announce there is an error in the posted prices and they are all missing a 1 from in front of them at which point we can all breathe a sigh of relief and go back to the default position of saying they are beautiful but too expensive.
Until that happens I will be working out how many of them I need and how badly HMRC will increase the price.
aaronp33 says
I was instantly tempted (that color red is catnip) but quickly realized I can hack my previously purchased WP Story Stick to do the trick well enough in most cases. I’ve been using an Incra T-Rule for these types of things on small stuff where precision is more important.
I can’t believe these didn’t exist already, though. The Incra Bend Rules are nice, but not exactly shop-durable.
Redcastle says
I have the Woodpecker story stick how would you hack it to replicate the functionality of the new rulers?
When I am using my INCRA tools it is on projects where I will clear the decks and slow down as they only come out when I am really needing to be accurate, I know what you mean by shop durable though they do look fragile.
ktash says
There are two versions of the story stick. Which one do you use, the older one with the metal sliders, or the newer one with the plastic ones? I’d be interested, too.
Redcastle says
The older version (like me), it is a beautiful tool and any chance to use it more often would be welcomed.
aaronp33 says
The idea (I haven’t tried it yet, but see no reason why it wouldn’t work) is to utilize the one of the two tracks underneath the story stick to grab the edge, then use the offset tabs on the surface to mark the measurement. I think I have a couple WP flip stops that will fit the bill, though anything you can fix to the underside should work.
I also use the shorter of my two story sticks, flipped over and with an adhesive measurement tape along the center, as a fence on my drill press. So versatile, those things.
Redcastle says
Aaronp33
Thank you for the idea.
aaronp33 says
I had to go back and remind myself what the old one looked like— I guess my trick won’t work for you guys. I’m sure you can figure something else out, though. I followed through on mine, btw, and it seems to be working well.
Ben says
Not related to the ruler, but is the author using “nominal” when he means “actual”. I feel like this is one of the first confusing things new woodworkers run into, so we should get it right.
Sorry to be pedantic!
Stuart says
Thanks, fixed!
Benjamen says
No apology necessary. I had it phrased differently and I changed it, not thinking about it. Thank you for the catch.
Altan says
It should have been made of stainless steel not aluminium! Stamped and blackened numbers, a tool for a few lives.