I'm looking for a good 8 inch try square

[Terry Browne]

I'm looking for a good 8 inch try square at a moderate cost. I'm thinking something in the $30 - $40 range that is actually square and that is engraved in 1/16 inch increments. I really like having a square in my hip pocket that I can use to measure the width of a board along its length for uniformity and to check for squareness. I can afford the higher end squares, but I've been known to drop things once in a while and I'd rather have a cheaper tool if there is any danger that it will hit the concrete floor.

Your input will be appreciated!

[David Tiell]

If you're thinking 8", I think I'd just go with a decent Starrett combo square with either a 9" or 12" blade. It will have the markings you are looking for, can be found on the bay for a relatively reasonable price, and can be used for so many other things around the shop.

[John Thompson]

Do a Google of wome of the WW sites that are sources for supplies. I have a 8" engineers square by Crown I purchased years ago from then Highland Hardware and now Highland Woodworking.. $9-$10 at the time which was about 7 years ago.

You should come up with an 8" reasonable.. but if you don't find an 8", you could get a 12" and simply cut it to 8" if that would fit your pocket better.

Sarge..

[J. Z. Guest]

Here you go!

These pocket folding squares by Lee Valley look pretty sweet, they say they're accurate to 0.06°: But again, only 6", 10", and 14" vesions.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32600&cat=1,42936,42941

Let me know how it works out. I may buy one of these instead of the 4" Starrett double square I was planning on. ;)

[Cary Swoveland]

Here you go!

These pocket folding squares by Lee Valley look pretty sweet, they say they're accurate to 0.06°: But again, only 6", 10", and 14" vesions.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32600&cat=1,42936,42941

Let me know how it works out. I may buy one of these instead of the 4" Starrett double square I was planning on. ;)

Those look very nice, and the claimed accuracy is amazing. If you have extra space in your apron, Lee Valley's double-square and Incra's Tiny T-Rule are quite handy:

85151 85152

Cary

[Terry Browne]

Thanks everyone for the input. This is exactly what I was hoping for.

Cheers!