The l-shape of this new rule from Veritas makes it great for setting bit/blade heights and the distance between the bit/blade and the fence. It’s also useful for checking whether components are square. Available in both imperial and metric sizes, the Veritas Precision Square has clearly marked increments that are easy to read. It’s also small and light enough to hold in the chest pocket of a shop apron, so it’s always at the ready. Because the leg of the rule often gets in the way while laying out workpieces, I don’t use it for that. But it’s my new go-to tool for bit and blade setups at the router table and the tablesaw. It makes my cuts dead-on accurate.

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Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

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Suizan Japanese Pull Saw

A versatile saw that can be used for anything from kumiko to dovetails. Mike Pekovich recommends them as a woodworker's first handsaw.

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Marking knife: Hock Double-Bevel Violin Knife, 3/4 in.

This heavy, double-beveled knife stays on track in all directions, and works just fine without adding a handle.

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