There have been several comments about the use of cell phones in the shop. I have used my Droid for many applications and thought I'd pass my experience on about various apps that are available for the Droid and other smart phones.
1. Calculator. Most smart phones come with a calculator already loaded. Use these calculators as you would any calculator. Unfortunately most of them do not have the storage capability for formulas so you will need to remember the formulas.
2. Timer. This app I use a lot. Whenever I am working on a project, I will start the timer and then stop it if I take a break and then resume it after the break. I use the timer in one of two ways. Either I time the whole project or I time specific components of a project such as cutting wood, glue ups, finishing, etc. The timer provides me with a means to help determine billing time and estimates. App name - StopWatch
3. Levels. I use the app primarily on a job site or when doing on site estimates. It is both a bubble level and a inclinometer. As a bubble level I use it to determine relative flatness of table or counter tops (don't forget to also apply it to the floor to make sure that the top is parallel to the floor). As an inclinometer I use it to determine if something is vertical or not. It is a quick level and is relatively accurate. App name - XClinometer
4. Magnet. This app has a variety of uses. You can find studs in a wall by moving the phone over the nail/screw heads used on the sheetrock. I also used it as a quick metal finder in unknown lumber if I forget my metal detector. It also has a built-in level. App name - Magnetic Stud Finder
5. Beam calculator. I don't use this app much but you can determine the size of beams needed in a home, barn, building, etc. App name - Wood Beam Calculator
All of these apps are free. There are other wood worker apps available for a small fee (usually under $2-3 and a couple around $10)
1. Calculator. Most smart phones come with a calculator already loaded. Use these calculators as you would any calculator. Unfortunately most of them do not have the storage capability for formulas so you will need to remember the formulas.
2. Timer. This app I use a lot. Whenever I am working on a project, I will start the timer and then stop it if I take a break and then resume it after the break. I use the timer in one of two ways. Either I time the whole project or I time specific components of a project such as cutting wood, glue ups, finishing, etc. The timer provides me with a means to help determine billing time and estimates. App name - StopWatch
3. Levels. I use the app primarily on a job site or when doing on site estimates. It is both a bubble level and a inclinometer. As a bubble level I use it to determine relative flatness of table or counter tops (don't forget to also apply it to the floor to make sure that the top is parallel to the floor). As an inclinometer I use it to determine if something is vertical or not. It is a quick level and is relatively accurate. App name - XClinometer
4. Magnet. This app has a variety of uses. You can find studs in a wall by moving the phone over the nail/screw heads used on the sheetrock. I also used it as a quick metal finder in unknown lumber if I forget my metal detector. It also has a built-in level. App name - Magnetic Stud Finder
5. Beam calculator. I don't use this app much but you can determine the size of beams needed in a home, barn, building, etc. App name - Wood Beam Calculator
All of these apps are free. There are other wood worker apps available for a small fee (usually under $2-3 and a couple around $10)
