However, long protractors can be limited by the spaces they will fit in. These digital protractors are a much more accurate means of measuring angles for carpentry, cabinetmaking, furniture making and general woodworking.ĭigital protractors come in different lengths and generally speaking, it’s easier to get an accurate measurement when using a longer one. This saves the step of measuring the angle of the protractor, while also increasing its accuracy. While these digital protractors have everything simpler models do, they add a digital readout that measures and displays the angle formed by the two legs. Once the angle is measured, the digital protractor can be placed against the blade and table of a saw, allowing the angle to be set exactly. The protractor can also be used to set up tools for cutting operations. Once removed from the location, the angle between the two legs is measured or transferred directly to the piece to be cut. To use them, the two legs are placed against the two surfaces making the angle and the wingnut tightened to lock them in place. There is no integral means of determining the angle and in that sense, these tools are more a gauge than a measuring device.Īt its simplest level, a carpenter’s protractor consists of nothing more than those two legs, with a bolt and wingnut to hold them together. That limits the protractor quite a bit, as it needs to be able to fit inside or outside the angle. Protractors used for carpentry work are used for measuring angles but these angles are on three dimensional objects. About the only limitation is it’s possible to see through the protractor to the lines on the paper. As such, it really isn’t limited to size or configuration. A geometry protractor is used for measuring an angle drawn on a piece of paper. When we’re talking about digital protractors, we’re not discussing the kind you used to use in school for geometry.