What square to buy?

[Tullie Templet]

I am looking for a good 6" try or combination square that is actually square. Are the try squares better or more accurate than combination? I was looking at the 6" woodpecker try square. Does anyone have any info on these? What about machinest squares accuracy? I bought a crown 6" from woodcraft($25.00) but it is not square. So I am looking to spend more to get a good one that I can trust. Recomendations please.

[Scot Ferraro]

The higher quality squares are good -- Starrett and Mitutoyo have been good brands and all have been square out of the box. Brown & Sharpe also makes quality products. The higher priced squares typically come with certificates of accuracy. I just posted info a few days ago from a machine tool company that is offering Mitutoyo squares for 50% off of 2007 pricing -- a 3" square was $25 and it is accurate to .00026".

Scot

[george wilson]

The only place I use those cheap imported steel squares is around my belt grinder,where water will get them rusty,etc.. But first,I make them more accurate by bonking them with a mallet to fit up to my Starrett or vintage B&S squares.

[Mark Woodmark]

I had an Incra square for a few years. It was and is square and will take a few falls to the floor without loosing is accuracy. Its only problem is it is aluminum and the falls onto the concrete will dent the softer aluminum. I now have both a 6 inch and a 12 inch Starrett stainless steel square with the certificates of accuracy. Both of these are square and very nice

http://www.amazon.com/Incra-GSQR7-Guaranteed-Square-Precision/dp/B0000639X2

http://www.mansontool.com/cart/shopexd.asp?id=5492

http://www.mansontool.com/cart/shopexd.asp?id=5493

[Tom W Armstrong]

+1 for the incra. Excellent square, IMO.

[Scott Stafford]

and yet another +1 for the Incra...

[Michael Peet]

The 4" and 6" Starrett squares are the ones I grab first. They are among the most-used tools I own.

Mike

[Van Huskey]

Incra, Starret and Mitutoyo. If you just want a setup square then the Incra, for a combo square get the Starrett or the Mitotoyo.

[Chip Lindley]

Plastic drafting squares are VERY accurate. No huge investment if one is damaged. A 45/90 and 30/60/90 are very handy to have around.

But, there is no question a good machinist's combination or try square is indispensible for critical work. General makes some good stuff and it's less expensive than Starrett or Mytutoyo.

[Kent A Bathurst]

The 4" and 6" Starrett squares are the ones I grab first. They are among the most-used tools I own.

Mike

Ditto. Ya gets what ya pays for. Plus - your great-great-great grandkids can use them, and they'll still be square (not the kids - the Starrets).

[Tullie Templet]

Just ordered the Mitutoyo 8" an 3" for 95.00. Not quite the deal Scott got but I am satisfied. The 8" alone would be 185.00 for the new model. Thanks Scott and everyone for the great info as always.

[John Coloccia]

FWIW, I have the set of 4 Groz squares. For $60, they're as precise as I need for setting up tools, but cheap enough to use everyday for woodworking as well. If I drop one, and it goes out of square, I don't cry. I toss it out and buy a new one for $15.

[Mike Wilkins]

For accuracy, you can't beat a Starrett. They include a certificate of accuracy with each tool. For looks and accuracy, look at Bridge City Tools. I use mine all the time when checking the jointer fence, joint lay-out and sometimes checking the thickness of a board. Go with great quality from the beginning and you will be set for life.

[Alex Leslie]

I've got several Woodpeckers squares that are very accurate. I have a Bridge City Tool 4" speed square that is dead-on. For quite a bit more, the BCT DSS6 is on helluva 6" sliding square/saddle square combo with three rules included. BCT and Woodpeckers both have impeccable quality.