Squares????

[matt dumney]

All,
In the market for a precision square. I've looked Starret, Incra and I see that woodpeckers is offering something too. Any recommendations toward which one is better? I like the purty colors of the Incra and WP but not sure color is important!!!

Also, in a search of the site I saw reference to a double square...what is that? Is that like an sliding T square?

Thanks in advance!

[matt dumney]

I'd also add how accurate is accurate in woodworking...

[glenn bradley]

What size and for what purpose. In the 6" range I use a machinists square. For machine setups I used to use a little 2.5" 90* / 45* combo block (I now have a Wixey for that). For scribing off an edge I use Lee Valley's ruler stop on some good stainless rules. We can answer more specifically if you can tell us a little more about what you are planning to use it for ;-)

[Gary Keedwell]

I say check the specs before you buy. Beware of the ones that say it is square within so many thousands per inch. Those inches accumulate rapidly. Look for one that guarantees squarness for the entire length of the square.;)

Gary

[matt dumney]

I would think six to eight would be long enough. I believe the Incra and Starret state they're with .001 across the length.

I have a 12 Stanley that I've used but it ain't square.

I'd like to use it for machine setup and scribing.

[Mark Rios]

I've got Woodpeckers 12" and 18" squares (triangles really, hmmmm....). http://www.woodpeck.com/speedsquare.html

I was told by the Woodpecker people that this is the same square as the one above but without the spine piece and in a different color. http://www.woodpeck.com/ptr12.html

I use them for checking square on my cabinet parts and things like that.

I've also got this gauge block, http://www.woodpeck.com/gaugeblock.html and a 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" brass block (again a triangle, hmmm?) but I don't remember where it's from.

All are as accurate and reliable as I can ask of them (and I am one of those that likes my tools accuracy in the thousandths range :D) and I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

JMO, HTH

[Jim Becker]

When it comes to adjustable squares, I love my Starretts. For fixed squares, I've been happy with those I've purchased through Lee Valley.

[matt dumney]

What's a double square?

Thanks again!

[glenn bradley]

What's a double square?

Thanks again!

Here you go:
http://www.leevalley.com/images/item/woodworking/markmeasure/24n0801g.jpg

[Mark Rios]

Squares that go both ways.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18433

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0002CSBP2/002-8814113-1925656?SubscriptionId=0FQX9FFB4S16YHVJP3G2

[matt dumney]

Thanks for the pic...I thought that maybe the one.

This is one I'm tending to lean toward. Is it accurate enought for tool setup?

[Dave Falkenstein]

For Tool setup I prefer thick squares like those labeled "B" and "C" on this page at Enco:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=378&PMITEM=638-7628

[Joe Chritz]

I use fixed machine squares similar to what Dave posted the link for. It is an easy way to do set up and they are pretty tough to knock out of square, short of some serious damage. They are also pretty cheap.

The entry level squares are very good for woodworking uses, although a tolerance of .001 is pretty loose in metal working industries. I think I bought a set of 4 from 3 inch to 6 inch for around $25 or so. Most likely from Enco or MSC, I don't remember where exactly.

A combo square, which is like the double, with a 45 on one side is very handy to have also.

Joe

[Donald Price]

Enco has a set of four engineer squares for $27.99. I pick up a set of these recently and really like them. Here's the link:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=890-9337&PMPXNO=4532065&PARTPG=INLMK3

[Ryan Lipski]

Enco has a set of four engineer squares for $27.99. I pick up a set of these recently and really like them. Here's the link:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=890-9337&PMPXNO=4532065&PARTPG=INLMK3


Ahh beat me to it. Just picked these up from Enco and they are great. They come in a molded case. Although I picked up the 2", 3", 4" and 6" set for ~$14. They work great!

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=RS638-7715

[Chuck Burns]

Only one word needs to be said: Starrett.

[Rod Sheridan]

Or Mitotoyu............Rod.