Dividers are handy for taking measurements from an existing pattern, transferring those measurements to the workpiece, and laying out joinery. The model from Red Rose Reproductions has become indispensable in my tool kit because of its ease of adjustment, quality, and adaptability.

The dividers are designed with a friction hinge, allowing you to adjust the legs with a simple squeeze. In most situations this is a great advantage, as the more commonly found spring-adjustment type of dividers are slower and more cumbersome to adjust (though I do find their fine adjustments a little easier). The friction setting on my Red Rose dividers was perfect out of the box—neither too tight nor too loose. But if I ever need to adjust it, it’s simple to do with a flathead screwdriver. The dividers arrived with extremely sharp tips. They’re available in two sizes, 5 in. and 7 in. I have the smaller ones and have found them sufficient for most furniture components.

My favorite feature of these dividers is that they can be transformed into a compass by replacing one of the legs with an optional compass attachment ($22), letting you hold a pencil in one leg to draw, rather than scribe, an arc. I purchased my dividers enthusiastically once the compass attachment became available, and haven’t had a moment’s regret. 

—Mark R. Maleski is a woodworker in the Washington, D.C., metro area

Photo: Barry NM Dima

From Fine Woodworking #295

More like this

	The woodworking clamps you need It’s true that you can’t have too many, but you can have too many useless ones. So here’s Megan Fitzpatrick’s take on what clamps you need, in the order that she uses them most.
	4 tool mods from Chris Gochnour’s shop Four simple tool modifications that help Chris Gochnour get the most out of the tools in his shop.
	Measuring precision Vic Tesolin relies on three main tools for measuring: a measuring tape, a rule, and a trusted frame of reference.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Lie-Nielsen No. 102 Low Angle Block Plane

With smooth, precise adjustments and wonderful balance, this compact block plane is a joy to use. It doesn’t have any bells and whistles, but there’s not a better block plane available for the money.

Buy at Direct

Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

Buy at Lee Valley

Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

Buy at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks