1- Measurements which do not divide exactly can be made divisible by angling your ruler. Mark off, then repeat on the opposite side.

2- Having marked the divisions, use a ruler, straight edge or where possible a marking gauge to mark out the cut lines.

Occasionally, you may come across a piece of timber which is difficult to mark up because of its shape and size.

To find the length of a work piece longer than your rule or tape, measure a certain distance along it from one end then measure the same distance from the other end. Mark both points and measure between them. Add this to your two original measurements to get the overall length.

If you need to find the centre of this piece, simply divide your third measurement by two and mark off.

Dividing a piece of hardboard into equal strips can become extremely confusing unless the overall width divides exactly.

Provided that no great accuracy is called for, you can get round the problem by running your tape or rule across one end of the work piece and angling it until you get a measurement which is easily divisible by the strips required (fig. 1).

Mark off each division then repeat the process at the other end of the work piece. Scribe the cutting line for each strip against a rule or straight edge, lined up with these marks (fig. 2). If the board is narrow enough do this with the marking gauge.

Before you start cutting the strips, bear in mind that some wood will be lost during the cutting process using a panel saw, about 1.5mm per cut. This wastage is known as the kerf. For really accurate work, make allowances for it on each strip.