Trigonometry in Carpentry

Trigonometry and carpentry are inseparable. From a ninety-degree angle to parallel joins, every aspect of carpentry will use a form of trigonometry. Cutting angles or creating beveled frames, knowing the degree functions and calculating triangular identity functions of basic trigonometry are useful in all aspects of carpentry.

The 90-Degree Angle

Any corner needs to be true, which means perfect 90-degree angles. Calculating and measuring this 90-degree angle can be easy with an understanding of trigonometry. First, a circle of 360 degrees bisected twice will create 90-degree angles. In an emergency, you need a ninety degree angle, trace a circle and then draw a line across the median of each arch, you will have four perfect 90 degrees in the center of your circle.

Joining Perpendicular Frames

Consider Pythagoras' Theorem when calculating the frame needed to join a right angle on any type frame. Pythagoras has proved that with a ninety degree angle a squared + b squared = c squared, c being the length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle. Several calculators facilitate the calculation; a carpenter can easily determine the length of the join needed to complete a 90-degree join.

The Plumb Line

Creating a center or midpoint for hanging doors or windows becomes easy knowing basic trigonometry. Trueing a wall and then insuring a door or window is center placed, requires two sets of measurements. If the parallel lines of the wall are not parallel, you will know by the area under the plumb line. In order for an area to be centered, both the bottom and top of the area under parallel lines must be equal, if not you must remeasure or recut the area.