Abstract: Novel measuring and cutting apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base member, an elongated member having an attachment end coupled to the base member and at least one straight edge adapted to extend over a workpiece, and a measuring arm. The measuring arm includes a first leg slideably coupled at right angles to the elongated member, and a second leg extending from the first leg and adapted to extend over the workpiece, the measuring arm defining a distance between the straight edge and the second leg. The apparatus allows accurate, repeated measurement when the straightedge is angled, and also allows access to the entire length of the straightedge for drawing or cutting.

Abstract: A common rafter and hip layout tool which provides a protractor portion, a common cut marking edge, a common cut marking edge pantograph arm to which is connected a bird's mouth marking arm, a seat cut marking arm connected at a right angle to the bird's mouth marking arm and a tail length marking arm. The pantograph arm and connected bird's mouth marking arm facilitates the marking of the bird's mouth cut and the seat cut. Movement of the common cut marking edge to the location indicated by the tail length marking arm facilitates the making of parallel cuts for the common rafter ridge cut and the tail cut.

Abstract: A multi-functional carpentry tool includes a base plate having opposed front and back major surfaces, and at least one side edge bearing surface perpendicular to the front and back surfaces. A pivot ruler is secured to the base plate and extends across and parallel to the front major surface and outwardly from the base plate. The pivot ruler includes an elongated marking member having opposing straight side edges. A longitudinal slot is formed in the marking member parallel to and between the opposed side edges of the marking member. A pivot attachment device is received through the slot of the marking member and into the base plate for pivotably attaching the marking member to the base plate. The marking member is slidable across the front major surface of the base plate a distance equal to the length of the slot.

Abstract: An all-in-one drawing apparatus has a protractor integrated with horizontal and vertical rulers on a drawing board. The vertical ruler has a pen holder adapted to move and scribe within the vertical ruler. The vertical ruler can pivot according to measured angles on the protractor portion.

Abstract: A drawing aid device having a base upon which is positioned a rotating cap. The rotating cap is provided with a slot guide which fits into the slot provided in a drawing and measuring device. The drawing and measuring device is provided with a first sliding region and a second sliding region with the slot of the drawing and measuring device being centrally located therebetween. The rotating cap is provided with first and second slide passages for accommodating the first and second sliding regions of the drawing and measuring device. A pivot screw is screwable into a knurled threaded nut and a ridged threaded nut positioned on opposite sides of the rotating cap. A latitudinal aperture in the rotating cap defines a rotational axis which passes through the knurled threaded nut, ridged threaded nut and pivot screw. The rotating cap and drawing and measuring device are rotatable about the rotational axis.