My No-Measure-Perfect-Fit Carpentry Trick: Make Easy File Folder Patterns

No head-scratching. No fuss. Complicated fits are simplified and beautifully executed every time with this amazing little technique.

[@donwilliams3626]

I have used this same idea with builders or red rosin paper when it was handy. Whenever the wall is wavy or contoured one can use a flat washer to copy the profile onto the pattern. Just lay the washer on the countertop or floor and insert the pencil point into the center hole. As you pull the pencil the washer will turn and make a profile line that can be cut with sissors. Hope others find this tip useful.

[@user-ic2ug8ys1z]

More HK genius, love it! 😃🌱🐢

[@clem24u]

I used a roll of builders paper to do everything from laminate countertops to vinyl sheet flooring to cutting around a radius. I love your old tools. I have restored a number of saws and planes and other old tools, they're the best. I've found many gems at yard sales and flea markets as well.

[@brians5539]

I’ve seen it done with newspaper, I like this much better. Thanks for the tip.

[@jerebigler7520]

Like Brians said, I've done used this technique when installing linoleum, but it was with newspaper. Your file folders would be much sturdier and overall better. I like it. Thanks for sharing.

[@peterbarlow8912]

For vinyl flooring the trick I learned was a make a similar but looser paper pattern then using the 2” body of your framing square make offset marks around the perimeter. Then use the offset marks and your square on the marks to knife the goods. It has the advantage of a steel guide for your knife (10-499) instead of free handing to a fragile paper edge.

[@dabaum6278]

That was awesome, thank you! I like the idea of templates…for everything!

[@skyriverwalker]

Very clever. I love your videos, such creative and useful ways of doing things.

[@tavenchristensen3157]

DANG … That’s a good method‼️

[@Karl_B]

I have done that with lined paper from my note pad. Mainly for that type of pattern I would use 1/8" Masonite cut in 2" stripes and hot glue the 4 corners. But that doesn't work in all applications like paper or cardboard would. Thanks for the tip! (Looking forward to your gardening videos this year.)

[@bobmartin6055]

Thanks for sharing this great tip! I bought your book on plastic laminates 20 plus years ago and still use it as a reference, such a great resource!

[@jmerced]

Love this idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@myrandabrown]

That’s exactly what I did for my countertops but I used ledger paper. Great demonstration.

[@Jimmykimball]

Such a useful idea 💡 I’m sure I’ll be using this frequently

[@TonyStagge]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@rickteeden8656]

Brilliant idea

[@Robs-shop]

Your good with that tape gun! Great idea 👍

[@misterm7086]

I used cardboard for funky angles when laying down plywood substrate. It worked ok but cardboard was bulky and a struggle to cut straight. Your file folder tip would have saved me time and aggravation. Thanks for sharing!

[@harrytinker2328]

Great method.

[@dormindont1]

Полезно👍👍👍👍👏

[@wootenbasset8631]

Cool. Thanks

[@johngallati8164]

I cut two piles in the trunk of velocity and traced the parameter with A miranda clip .it worked well

[@zekezeke3484]

I use a similar, technique, using 36 inch wide brown kraft paper from the economy very large retail store, with the triangles cut out to attach to surface, and trim it to within a rough inch or so of the shape border, and then use a square or block wood, depending on the project size, to scribe a pencil line on the kraft paper a fixed distance from the shape border. Then I can lift the kraft paper and place it on top of, for example, sheet vinyl flooring and transfer the pencil line back to the cut line, again using the square or wood block. For larger projects, the kraft paper needs less taping together and there is no need to precisely cut the paper, the accuracy comes from the scribed line..

[@herrickkimball]

Good idea. I like it. 👍

[@astrumdeus7098]

Genius!!

[@geemann8021]

How long have you been working on that addition, or is this a new addition?

[@herrickkimball]

4 or 5 years. I lose track of time. I'm hoping to be ready for my electrical inspection next month. Then I can finally get to some drywall and trim. 👍

[@mazopp8041]

It's called a template , whats new and innovative about that ?