46-WSS Squares-2.Indd
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Well-Stocked Shop Squares If the angle ain’t right, it’s wrong. Starrett 12" By Craig Bentzley Combinati on Square, #06R12, $114.99 Most woodworkers claim to know the importance of Starrett 4" Double Square expensive, a few are quite “�lat, straight, and square,” pricey. But this isn’t a place Sometimes less is just right. but I’m surprised by those to pinch pennies; buy the When laying out joints, me:(including A square myself) that is who a degree don’t best squares you can afford. measuring mortise depths, offalways from abide 90° isn’t by it.square. Repeat That after They will save you time and and checking jointed edges for spareStarrett you headaches.12" square, I prefer using this 4" Combinati on Square double square. Like its bigger degree (or more) will multiply brother, the machined head with each part and procedure, can be used without the blade leading to time-consuming As the name suggests, the for checking setups on smaller �ixes and ill-�itting joints. angled head combines the machines and tight spots. I Over the years, I’ve discarded Entirefunctionality articles of have standard been also like how it tucks into my my fair share of shoddy squares (90°) and miter (45°) squares. 2"shop Engineer’s apron’s front Square pocket that weren’t up to the job. After many trial-and-error purchases, written about the things you I’ve settled onnow a few depend proven on can do with this tool. I use An engineer’s square isn’t as performers that I mine every day for laying out versatile as some other models, joints, checking crosscuts and but the simple design–a �ixed for laying out miters, and squaring jointer blade and head–makes accuracy joints, setting fences and tablesaw blades. inexpensive. Until you can afford up machinery, investmentsA high-quality a woodworker combination can a double square, you can use and checking square is one of the smartest an engineer’s square for assemblies. Note most of the same tasks. I that, although make. (With a little TLC, it will stationnow keep for this square many of my serve several generations of at my sharpening selections aren’t woodworkers.) Some squares are sold with optional center- ofchecking plane �inder and protractor heads, ironsthe edges and but I recommend buying chisels when only the standard head with a 12" blade. When you can, supplement it with3 the 24" grinding. (A three- 2" Engineer's Square blade, which will help you lay piece set of engineer’s squares #141013, $15.99 will also serve as a⁄ 4reliable out stock up to 21 " wide. It might seem like a bargain, but I suggest saving your money for 70 woodcraftmagazine.com April/May shop2012 rule and straightedge. a 4" double square instead.) Starrett 24" Extended Length Rule, #06R18, $124.99 Assembly Squares While some squares require clamp purchase. In additi on to careful handling, others are assembling cases, I use a pair designed to be tough enough as a “third hand” when to help correct out-of-square installing hinges on drop- assemblies and can even hold front furniture and to support Starrett 4" Double Square, their own as clamping cauls. the pin board on the tail #06E44, $67.99 Consider the carpenter’s (or board while transferring the “speed”) square. The pin locati ons when laying embossed ruler scale and out hand-cut dovetails. Draft sman’s Triangles protractor markings are too coarse for 12" Raft er Square The Home Depot, furnituremaking, but #114-345, $7.47 Don’t discount the usefulness of the body is well suited these simple plastic triangles. for checking large cases Despite their low price, they’re and frames. The triangle very accurate. I use mine shape that protects for those setups that might the square from jobsite damage a more expensive mishaps gives it the square, such as squaring strength to double as a the tables on my sanders. clamping caul. Buy a pair Drafting triangles are available of 6" and 12" squares. in various sizes and colors. The Jevons’ 3D squares best quality triangles (found in are pricier, but the art supply stores) have milled 6"-long legs sport edges. I have several machined faces and wide sizes and use them fl anges designed for all quite often. 3D Squares (2), D r a ft i n g #144041, $34.69 triangles available at art supply stores. Photos: Jim Osborn April/May 2012 woodcraftmagazine.com 71 48" Drywall T-square Well-Stocked Shop The Home Depot, #963-186, $12.94 Framing Square Drywall Square and Square Fence and etched or embossed have machined edges last on this list in terms of A drywall square may rank Carpenters rely on framing markings. (Note: A good squares for laying out stairs Tosquare learn can how sometimes to reset get precision, but this inexpensive and rafters, but the tool is knocked out of whack. tool is accurate enough for equally useful in the XX rough layout of sheet goods. It workshop. Its value will prove your square to 90°, can also serve as an impromptuI itself when working with wide see my tip on p. ) T-square when making full- boards and sheet goods. If you already own scale layouts on paper. As with combination a good square, treat squares, you get what you yourself to a fence. Tip Alert pay for. The best squares The aluminumto provide bara positive To test the accuracy of a square, Framing Square locks onto either edge The Home Depot, hold the body against the edge #674-842, $6.96 of a straight board and draw a stop. I �ind the solid line along the edge of the blade. registration very Now fl ip the blade over and helpful when laying out draw a second line. The two lines Veritas Square Fencecuts on sheet goods. Lee Valley Tools, should be parallel. #05N54.01, $23.50 72 woodcraftmagazine.com April/May 2012 SUBSCRIBE! 2 YEARS for $29.99! go to woodcraftmagazine.com and click SUBSCRIBE -or- Complete the form below and mail in an envelope addressed to: WOODCRAFT MAGAZINE PO BOX 7020 PARKERSBURG WV 26102-9916 □ Payment Enclosed □ Bill Me Name Address City State Zip Country E-mail Best-ever DECORATIVE FINISHES Build Better Send in now to get LUMBER RACK Done Right with a CUT LIST Projects, Techniques and Products Build this 2 Years for $29.99! classic SPICE BOX And learn how to… Dovetail a case Divide a cabinet into compartments or go to woodcraftmagazine.com and click SUBSCRIBE Create a cornice By providing my e-mail address, I am indicating I’d like to receive information about my subscription and other offers from Woodcraft Magazine via e-mail. Outside of the U.S and Canada add $30 for postage. Plus… Foreign orders must be prepaid. 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