precision square

[Ken Tucker]

Hello , Im looking to buy a precision square and combination ,pro tract ,center finder kit . Any suggestion at a reasonable price

[Greg Hines, MD]

Incra makes a lot of good measuring devices of any type. I particularly like their T-Rules.

Doc

[Jim Knishka]

Bite the bullet and buy the Starret. You will use it on every project you do and will never regret it.

BTW, I bought the protractor head and have used it about twice in the ten years I've had it. Unless you're doing a lot of non-90 degree angles you may want to wait to see if you need it.

[Mike Henderson]

The Mitutoyo is also very good (combination square). Equal to the Starrett in every way. I prefer the older green body ones to the new grey body ones. I find them to be very smooth and accurate.

Mike

[added comment: I find the green body ones operate smoother than the grey body ones.]

[Tom Veatch]

... Any suggestion at a reasonable price

Just for comparison purposes, the 12" Starret set (square, protractor head, and center finder) in recently completed eBay sales went from about $65 to $120.

Completed sales of equivalent Mitutoyo sets were $60 to $70.

[Dan Clark]

I have a Starrett 12" set with and extra 18 blade. I like it and it's very accurate. I especially like using it as a story stick. But...

For more precision when checking square, I use an Incra "Guaranteed Square": http://www.amazon.com/Incra-GSQR7-Gu.../dp/B0000639X2.

For precise marking, I find the Incra T-Rules are much better. I have an 18" set and a 6" set, and the 3" Tiny T-Rule.

I think they are spendy, but very reasonably priced. Trust me... There's nothing like wasting work and materials because your measuring instruments aren't accurate to make you appreciate the good stuff. (DAMHIKT) They may cost more now, but you save in the long run.

Regards,

Dan.

[Jacob Reverb]

Bite the bullet and buy the Starret. You will use it on every project you do and will never regret it.

BTW, I bought the protractor head and have used it about twice in the ten years I've had it. Unless you're doing a lot of non-90 degree angles you may want to wait to see if you need it.

+1

Although I do use the protractor for setting up jigs to sharpen plane irons, etc.

[Jeff Duncan]

Buy the Starrett and as a bonus you'll actually be buying one of the few products still made in this country
The other benefit is if you ever decide you don't need it anymore, (not likely, but???), you can sell it and recoup most of your investment, buy a harbor freight or equivelant knockoff and that's a lot less likely.
JeffD

[Brian Tax]

I second (third or what ever) go with the Starret on ebay they are much cheaper.

[Bartee Lamar]

I use one if these and love it

http://www.woodpeck.com/1281.html

I have the Incra also, but I think Woodpeck.com is doing a GREAT job with their

http://www.woodpeck.com/media/main_1281.jpg

[Frank Drew]

I don't think Starrett is the only company that makes precision instruments, but I too have a sentimental attachment to them and would tend to give them a first look.

[Michael Boyle]

I also would recommend the Starrett, but for a very practical reason. The lock bolt for it is designed in such a way that it is very easy to flip the rule portion of the square around. On many of the less expensive units the lock bolt will either fall out or function in a fashion that makes changing the blade, and thus the increment of measure, a pain. It is not that it can't be done with the other brands; it is just that the Starrett is a superior system. It is also a better system for moving the blade into a different setting as well. Lastly, the Starrett is very well made; it is definitely a tool that will last you a lifetime. I went from a Craftsman Square to the Starrett and have never regretted for a minute the money I spent on it. The Brown and Sharpe and Mitutoyo squares are also considered to be superior in their design so I am certain you would be well served with one of those as well.

[Jerry Olexa]

Starrett....IMHO the best.

[Pete Simmons]

Always knocking harbor freight. Why in no time at all maybe a day, weeks or even hours or minutes any precision tool from them can easily be used or resold for a small boat anchor. You might even find just the right shaped hole in a concret wall somewhere that it could be used as a filler. So please do not knock the resale value of these fine tools.


BTW - I do have a digital 6 inch caliper from them that has worked perfect for over 5 years. I have a set of guide blocks and they measure right on every time.

[Per Swenson]

Funny thing about squares.

Either it is or it isn't.

Don't get me wrong.

As a conceit I collect squares.

Some people its matchbooks.

So yes I use a Starret in the shop.

But still square is square.

So for those on a budget remember doesn't matter what name is on it.

as long as its square and stays that way.

Find a square in a garage sale for a dollar?

If its square does that make it worth a hundred? Presuming you are working with it and not collecting of course.

Per