T-Square Question

[Eric Getchell]

Tired of being "just off" when it comes to measuring off the edge of a board, I'm looking at getting a T-Square that has holes to put a mechanical pencil through to make accurate, repeatable measurements.

I’ve seen the following and wonder if anyone has any experience with the Pinnacle. I’ve seen a few favorable comments on the Incra and am leaning toward it.

Pinnacle 12” T-Square, which looks sturdy, but the holes are drilled to 1 mm in diameter, which seems would allow the pencil to wobble.
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020075/18897/Pinnacle-12-TSquare.aspx

Incra T-Rule. Less than half the cost, the holes are drilled at a bit of .5 mm, but it seems a bit fragile.
http://www.incra.com/product_t-rules.htm


Thanks,


Eric

[Bill McDermott]

Eric, No experience with the Pinnacle. I do use the 6" Incra T-Rule and have been happy with it for a few years. I use it rarely - on those occassions, as you suggest, when I want to guage precise lines parallel to an edge. During those times - using a .5 mm pencil is not an inconvenience. A pencil came with it and I keep them together. I don't use it for other tasks because, you are right, that fine lead is too fragile for normal use. As I develop more skill with marking guages (and get away from rulers), I reach for the Incra less frequently. Still, I am not much of a gadget or jig person, but am glad to have it. Bill

[Randy Briggs]

I like the Incra - I've got the 3 inch pocket rule, 6" and big one (18" I think, maybe longer).

The pencil holes are precise and super accurate. The shorter lengths are the ones I would highly recommend - the longer one doesn't get too much use but it is useful for sheet goods/larger pieces. Really eliminates any errors provided you can put the pencil in the right hole. Also can use them for scribing a line along the edge but I usually use a marking/cutting gauge.

They are my "go to" tools and don't find that I use my Starrett combination square. The main con is as you mentioned, they are somewhat delicate, so I wouldn't be using them on a construction site, but I have no issues in my shop. Also, because they are so thin, it can be tough if you try to use the outside edge to pencil (ok) or knife (less than ok), but I use my try squares for that stuff.

Disclaimer: no financial interest in Incra, just a satisfied customer.

[Lee Schierer]

I keep several .7 mm Pentel mechanical pencils in my shop. They make a very fine line and the lead isn't overly fragile. I use HB high polymer lead for a good dark line that doesn't require much pressure.http://www.stationeryart.com/productimages/pentel/p200/set_1.jpg

[Bill Huber]

I would agree with everything that has been stated about the Incra T-Rule. I really like mine and use it a lot. I would also add that the Precision Protractor is a really nice tool to have. It is just as good as the Incra T-Rule in every way.

http://www.incra.com/product_specialtyrules.htm#protrac06

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[Bill Huber]

I would agree with everything that has been stated about the Incra T-Rule. I really like mine and use it a lot. I would also add that the Precision Protractor is a really nice tool to have. It is just as good as the Incra T-Rule in every way.

http://www.incra.com/product_specialtyrules.htm#protrac06

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[David Hawxhurst]

woodpeckers (red) makes pinnacle (black). i have the woodpeckers version and really like it. have the 32" one and it works great for larger projects. use a marking gage for less than six inches.

[Chip Lindley]

I keep several .7 mm Pentel mechanical pencils in my shop. They make a very fine line and the lead isn't overly fragile. I use HB high polymer lead for a good dark line that doesn't require much pressure.http://www.stationeryart.com/productimages/pentel/p200/set_1.jpg

It's PENTEL for me too! I have all 3 lead sizes for different uses. But, those tiny erasers under the chrome caps are a PITA! They are not useful for "real" erasing. I use the Pentel Twist-Erase III. They come in .05mm, .07mm and .09mm lead sizes. A twist of the cap exposes more eraser when it gets worn down. Really useful!

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[Jerome Hanby]

I like the Incra - I've got the 3 inch pocket rule, 6" and big one (18" I think, maybe longer).

I've got the 18" one. Wanted one to try and figured I could do it all with that model. It works great, but one or two of the smaller versions are in my near future...