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Calipers/Sliding Scale

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Calipers of this size and type are lumber measuring tools, for both logs and boards. Scales are printed on the long bar of these tools and are read after the moveable jaw is set to the width of the tree or board. These scales give the measurement between the jaws and may also measure board feet, cubic feet, or cords per given foot of length. This example, marked "P. Field," is made of wood and has a scale in inches. Such a tool was indispensable to anyone dealing in wood before standardization of lumber sizes. Foresters and sawmill operators still use such calipers.

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