It’s like this. You will usually only buy the best product once. The cheap stuff will have to be replaced, maybe several times. I don’t expect that most of what I do will require that level of precision, yet I come from the metal working world, near to “satellite precision”, so use Starrett measuring equipment. If I’m making a small box, where precision is required in the joinery, the requirement for precision in inescapable. Try making a small box and gluing it up without it twisting out of shape, especially if the lid is in a dado and has to slide. Square tools (both for measurement and cutting) are essential. Believe it or not, my big stuff can be made with a chalk line, and fit together. It just depends on what you are making.
Then again, I make roses out of copper; that is all free-hand with snips, torch and scrolling tongs. NO measuring equipment.
