Benefits of Using a Precision Woodworking Triangle

Simple yet effective, precision woodworking triangles have played a part in building materials for more than 9,500 years. As our ancestors knew, a precision woodworking triangle can greatly enhance your woodworking projects and make your work more accurate, efficient, and enjoyable. In this article, discover the benefits of using a precision woodworking triangle and understand why many woodworkers and craftspeople enjoy using this indispensable tool!

Precision is Paramount

The intuitive design of a precision woodworking triangle provides accurate and consistent measurements. The angles on the triangle are precise and can be easily transferred to your workpiece, ensuring your cuts are straight, accurate, and at the correct angle.

The triangle’s ability to hold measurements accurately and maintain its form over time makes it a valuable tool for both novice and professional woodworkers. Higher quality triangles, like the TSO MTR-18 Precision Triangle, tend to be CNC machined from a material like aluminum, with stated accuracy claims such as “guaranteed square to within .001” over its 18” length as verified by automated CMM.”

Versatility

While every precision triangle has three sides (and sometimes more), they come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to select the right tool for the job. A square triangle has a “long edge” or hypotenuse which quickly marks 45-degree lines for cutting miters, setting a machine fence, or dialing in a miter gauge.

The perpendicular edges of a triangle can also square casework, and many triangles can be adapted into clamping angles to secure cabinetry during glue-up and assembly. The versatility of the precision woodworking triangle makes it a valuable addition to your toolkit.

Some precision triangles, like the MTR-18, come with “multi-function” in mind. Featuring a protractor and laser engraved angle markings, the MTR-18 can be directly mounted to a 20x96mm hole patterned worktop like the Festool MFT/3 to act as an angle fence.

Time Savings

Time is (usually) money, and using a triangle can save you a significant amount of time in your projects. The precision triangle allows you to make accurate cuts quickly, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and the risk of mistakes. The precision markings and resulting cuts resulting from proper use of the triangle also increase the efficiency of your work, allowing you to complete projects more quickly and with less rework.

Improved Accuracy

Precision woodworking triangles allow you to make precise cuts that would otherwise be difficult to achieve with other tools. For example, a precision triangle with a protractor makes it easy to cut at any angle, not just 45 or 90 degrees, or other cardinal angles. The triangle’s precise angles and scale provide a stable and consistent reference, making it easier to achieve accurate cuts every time.

Easy To Use

A well-designed precision woodworking triangle should be easy to use, right out of the box, with smart design features that improve ergonomics. Look for large, high-contrast laser engraved scales, ideally with both Metric and Imperial measurements (dual dimensions) on the same triangle.

Many triangles feature a removable “foot” to make them freestanding, which is particularly helpful when trying to calibrate machinery where you might need both hands free. The triangle’s smart design and ergonomics make it not just a valuable tool, but a pleasure to use.

There's no shortage of benefits that come with using a precision woodworking triangle. TSO Products offers a wide range of triangles and squares in different sizes and form factors, along with compatible accessories, all to help you get the best results possible. Grab all the woodworking essentials from TSO. We design and manufacture our USA-made products with pride in Minnesota. From precision triangles to track saw accessories, TSO carries tools that will help you get better results. Browse our product categories today!