Cool New Tool!...Layout tape.

Jim_Rogers · April 27, 2013, 05:00:55 AM

I brought one "layout tape" with me to Atlanta.

We've been using it to measure our test fits of the frame we're going to be raising.

It is fabulous. And works great.
Being a "lay-flat" tape it is very easy to verify your measurements, timbers, and joints.

Being 30' long is great also, we're doing a 24' frame and we used it to verify the diagonal measurement.

I've been so busy working on this frame that I really haven't had time to stop and take a picture of the tape "in action"...

Jim Rogers

Jim_Rogers · April 29, 2013, 07:31:49 PM

Last week while in Atlanta, I had the chance to use the layout tape on the frame we were about to raise.

Wow, what a great tape. It works great. The best part of the tape is the "lay flat" feature.

The 10" burn to zero is also good. But we weren't actually laying out any tenons to use the red numbers. But we did use this tape a lot, to double check previously laid out timbers.

And it was easy to see on the tool table as it was the only green tape there.

Also, it was easy to get the "tool runner" to get it as I could just call out, "Green tape Please", which could be seen quickly by the runner.

The standard tape we had on hand was black and we had a 100' yellow tape also.

Nice numbers, easy to read, either feet and inches or just inches.

I am very happy with it and it should be a very good tool for a long time.

I have a tape that I have designated at a "layout tape" and that tape was the only one that I ever used to layout the joints on timbers of the frames I have cut. And that tape has lasted me many frames and many years.

My point is that if you use this tape as it is intended, as just a layout tape it should last you a very long time.

It is not a bad investment at $20.

Jim Rogers

Brian_Weekley · April 13, 2016, 06:33:48 PM

Bump.

It's been awhile--for those timber framers new to the forum who may not have seen this before. A nice tool to have.

S.Hyland · April 13, 2016, 06:51:15 PM

I was actually thinking of picking a couple more of these up...
I can say that this is a great tool to have. The first time you don't make the dreaded "burned measurement mistake" it's already paid for itself many times over! It's the only layout tape used in the shop. No one is allowed to use regular tapes for timber layout. Highly recommended!

Jim_Rogers · April 13, 2016, 09:37:09 PM

Thanks guys for your kind words about this product.

Jim Rogers

Brad_bb · April 14, 2016, 12:32:21 AM

Thanks Brian and Sean! That was the whole reason I did this project, I was sick and tired of forgetting the inch I burned and cutting it too short!

opticsguy · April 17, 2016, 01:59:46 AM

I am a little confused, how and/or where do you buy these tapes at? Website?

Brian_Weekley · April 17, 2016, 04:43:53 AM

It would be helpful if it was better advertised where to buy one. ;)

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,65200.0.html

Jim_Rogers · April 17, 2016, 09:45:35 AM

In the for sale section of this forum under the timber framing hand tools for sale list is the item ID # M354** in this post as well:

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,50674.0.html

Jim Rogers

jacobcbass · July 13, 2023, 04:57:16 PM

Anyone willing to sell one of these. According to Jim...they are no longer available...ever! Thanks Guys!!!

Sod saw · July 31, 2023, 06:46:03 AM

.

It's been most of a decade since this tape was first produced. If they are no longer available, , , is there any reason that the manufacturer can't have another run made?

It seems that there should be younger folks that were not aware of it (me included) back then, who might appreciate an opportunity to have one of their own.

.

Jim_Rogers · July 31, 2023, 10:16:25 AM

When we contacted them again to do another run they wanted an order of 5000 pieces. We had previously order 1000. The cost back then (to us) was $10 each. We didn't have $50,000 to invest in tapes. And still don't.
Several different tool dealers tried to get them to do another run and they won't without a huge commitment.

Jim Rogers

Sod saw · August 02, 2023, 06:37:32 PM

.

Can you remember how long it took for the original 1000 to sell out?

What was the selling price back then?

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Jim_Rogers · August 02, 2023, 07:07:44 PM

Quote from: Sod saw on August 02, 2023, 06:37:32 PM
.

Can you remember how long it took for the original 1000 to sell out?

What was the selling price back then?

.

No, and $20 to start then $25.