Cool New Tool!...Layout tape.

Rooster · March 18, 2013, 11:34:51 AM

Back when I went up to the Timber framer's gathering up in Grand Marais, MN, I got my first look at the new layout tape that fellow FF member, Brad_bb had designed and developed through the Fastcap company.

Some of you "regulars" will remember the survey that was posted asking about our own layout techniques and how we "burn" the end of our tapes to be more accurate when laying out for mortises and tenons on beams.

I got a chance to use one of the new tapes and was impressed enough to order 4 of them from Brad_bb.
One for the work truck.
One for my tool bag.
One for backup.
And one to pass out for others to try.

Rooster

P.S. Check out his youtube video:

http://youtu.be/phJAvI2wt6g

Jim_Rogers · March 18, 2013, 11:49:18 AM

Thanks for posting.

I too am impressed with the tape.

Jim Rogers

Brad_bb · March 18, 2013, 11:59:31 AM

Thanks Rooster, glad you like it!

After last summer's survey, and carefully considering the balance of possible features, we are proud to announce that the new TimberFrame Layout Tape Measure is now available(in the For Sale section). It's primary feature is that has the zero mark 10 inches from the hook. For those who do layout using the "Burn" method on a standard tape, this tape removes the need to remember to add the "burned" amount to your layout dimensions. This simplifies the process and reduces the need to recheck. By preventing this common layout error, it will prevent many timbers from being cut too short or joinery in the wrong location. It will save framers valuable time and timber, and the worst case scenario of discovering on raising day that a timber is too short. Features: 30' high quality "layflat" PVC coated steel tape, flat for easy marking, reverse scale from zero in red for marking tenons, inches and feet markings, green case to distinguish from your other tapes, large erasable writing area on tape body for notes.
It took 2 years to find the right company to work with me on this project. It is manufactured by FastCap.com, a specialty tool company. The owner of FastCap was very generous in supporting this project for the benefit of the TF community, expending his company's time and efforts and absorbing a portion of the development and carrying costs. My goal is to improve the layout process and reduce wasted time and timber in the TF community, and hopefully break even on the tooling costs. This is a limited run, so if you think it might be of use to you, don't hesitate. Both Jim Rogers and I are selling them.

giant splinter · March 18, 2013, 01:05:05 PM

Very nice Brad, I remember your original post on the forum about the burn tape and some of the ideas that you would like to incorporate into the design as well as asking the members to see how much interest it would generate. I looks like you have followed up and it is now available for everyone to take advantage of. Great idea and it seems you went all the way with three rivets and the layout rivet hole ...... the works and a very well thought out 30 ft. layout tape designed/engineered product that many of the building trades will be able to put to use. All the cool features plus a few really neat ones to boot like the erasable note pad for writing down the ladies phone numbers and the stand out green color as well as the material chosen for the lay flat idea.
Nice work Brad and you followed up in style with a very useful layout tool for the Timber Framers and all other trades to make the job go smoother.
Great idea, Great follow up and a truly remarkable tool ..............Congratulations! it's incredible.

Brad_bb · March 18, 2013, 06:09:32 PM

Hey thanks! "...for writing down the ladies phone numbers ..." Good one! You mention other trades. I only surveyed the Timber Frame community (and FF), but I do wonder how many woodworkers use the burn method, and if any other trades to too. I would love to have more insight into that. Perhaps enough word will get out? I'll know if I see sales beyond what I forecast, which was just enough to break even.

tyb525 · March 18, 2013, 06:16:31 PM

I often use the "burn" method where I need to be very accurate, like trim work. The flat tape also looks nice, I know it gets to be a pain trying to make an accurate mark with a curved tape. Curved tapes are nice for taking measurements, but once you lay them on a board they aren't so nice.

giant splinter · March 19, 2013, 02:25:15 AM

Brad
I suspect that the carpentry trade with rafter cutters and stair builders, the framing layout crews.
Masonry with the brick spacing layout tapes.
Boat building shipwrights with the curved planking and lofting work.
Survey and Engineering with the decimal foot (10ths.) for building footprints normally burn at stationing points and the pipe monuments, boundary markers using an extended tape often with a leather grip hold on the one end.
I am sure there are many applications for burning and it might be that any trade that uses a tape or a rule may have some layout method that can use your layout tape to speed up the layout work.

John S · March 19, 2013, 03:09:07 PM

Hi Brad,
The check is in the mail. Maybe sometime soon I will figure out the Paypal method. Looking forward to using the tapes.
John Snyder

Ljohnsaw · March 19, 2013, 06:37:31 PM

Very nice. I'll be ordering one tonight. I'd do it now but my old Blackberry doesn't like PayPal!

rmawhinney · March 20, 2013, 09:07:06 AM

I ordered one......this is something I have thought about a lot of times before for uses in lots of different areas not just timber framing. I cant wait to get it along with my box of tools from Jim!

Brad_bb · March 20, 2013, 01:21:33 PM

I found a great video from the Manufacturer I worked with on this tape. It has a lot of very good information about tape measures, accuracy, manufacturing them, that I thought this crowd would enjoy.
http://youtu.be/zW-6cfM4i7s

Jim_Rogers · March 20, 2013, 01:41:22 PM

I hadn't seen that one. It was very good.
Thanks for posting.

Jim Rogers

jander3 · March 20, 2013, 04:10:53 PM

Brad,

I am sending a check tomorrow for 2 tape measures. I am looking forward to trying this out on my next project. I really like the flat tape idea.

Thanks

thecfarm · March 20, 2013, 04:23:40 PM

That sounds like you put a lot of thought into it. Good job.

tyb525 · March 20, 2013, 05:24:13 PM

Looks like they might be a good sponsor for the FF to look into.

Jeff · March 20, 2013, 05:33:29 PM

I have told Brad the forum would wave the usual 5% on this, after he requested me to as he has said this is a not a for profit venture.

frwinks · March 21, 2013, 10:26:03 AM

great job on gettin' 'er dun Brad

dukndog · March 22, 2013, 05:59:20 PM

Got mine in today. My 17 yo son said I had a package and brought it in. I told him the story about the "survey" Brad and Jim set up and this was the result of that survey. He then said, so can I have one? Maybe my order wasn't large enough!!
Great job Brad and Jim!!!

Jim_Rogers · March 22, 2013, 07:17:50 PM

We've got more, just order one up......

Jim Rogers

Ljohnsaw · March 23, 2013, 01:55:41 AM

Jim,
I got my pair of tapes today - thanks. Nice, nice product. I'm looking forward to using one and holding on to the other as a back up. For the rest of you, buy two - the shipping is the same for one or two. They fit in a small flat rate priority box! It may be a long time before there are more available!
John

Jim_Rogers · March 23, 2013, 06:26:59 AM

Quote from: ljohnsaw on March 23, 2013, 01:55:41 AM
Jim,
I got my pair of tapes today - thanks. Nice, nice product. I'm looking forward to using one and holding on to the other as a back up. For the rest of you, buy two - the shipping is the same for one or two. They fit in a small flat rate priority box! It may be a long time before there are more available!
John

Thanks for your comments and purchase John.

When you get some timbers we've love to see some pictures or a video of you using one.

Jim Rogers

Rooster · March 29, 2013, 08:48:43 PM

Tool review:

I tried out Brad_bb's new FastCap TF layout tape today at the jobsite.

I have to say that I like it a lot.

He also sent me a prototype tape stand (made out of 2x3 angle-iron) that keeps the tape upright, and the tread tape, keeps it from sliding around when the tape is pulled out and extended over long distances.

Some of the things that I noticed is that the exit slot for the tape is taller than need be for a flat tape. It looks as if the case is made for a curved tape which would explain the need for a "taller" exit slot.

This added space can cause the tape end (including the tongue/hook) to be recessed a bit and makes it a slight challenge to grab the tongue/hook...especially while wearing gloves.

But that did not stop me from using it!!...I simply modified the hook by adding a short zip-tie to the nail slot in the hook and used it like a pull-tab.

The tab is also makes it easier to pull the tape out when it is mounted in the stand/holder since the tongue/hook is so close to the beam surface.

Overall, It is a fine tape and I am happy with my purchase.

Peace,

Rooster

Brad_bb · March 29, 2013, 09:19:04 PM

Thanks for the comments Rooster. I guess our communication wasn't clear on the stand-I wasn't going to show it until I had the final ones ready to go. Oh well, the Forestry Forum has seen behind the curtain. Just spurs me to get them ready faster. Just so everyone knows, the one Rooster showed is just a prototype. The final one will look a bit different -color, finish, some construction difference and another feature which is not shown in the photos.

jander3 · April 23, 2013, 10:19:05 AM

Another April snow storm. While waiting for the weather to clear, I spent a day in the garage making a bench out of some 3" Red Oak slabs I cut and hauled home last summer. I had the opportunity to try out Brad's new layout tape. Very nice! I think every framer needs one of these.

In particular, I really like the lay flat tape, this ensures that my box cutter markings are right on the money.