With the exception of turning on a lathe most woodworking requires the use of angles with the right angle being dominate. A square is the most common way of determining if something is at ninety degrees. I have found that in my shop I continually use three different squares. A set of engineering squares that I reserve for setting up machinery are extremely accurate. These squares are designed with a body wide enough to set upright making it easy to square a fence or blade. In my shop apron I keep a small six-inch combination square. When needed it is readily available to quickly check a cut or use as a marking gauge. For checking angles wider than my small combination square I use a large steel framing square. In this category there are actually three squares – the framing square, the roofing square and the Essex square. Each has a particular purpose other than just a square. With any of these large squares you can draw a circle or oval easily and accurately. What is your favorite square and how do you use it? If you don’t have a good square be sure and get one. You will find them invaluable for many applications other than just a square.
Enjoy your shop time!
Jerill
Just bought a Starret combination square — what a great piece of quality made equipment. Although I use framing squares a lot, especially for carpentry, I learned that they are not always perfectly square. I have more confidence in a speed-square be “more square”.
Jim,
How do you test a combination square for accuracy?
I found this article — http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-square-a-combination-square/. Would assume you use a sharp pencil or lead pencil?
Gerry, Great way of checking the combination square. And I suggest you check them because it is common to find them out of square. I like to put some money in my purchase of this tool and get a quality one that is square. Used ones at flea markets need to always be checked. Great tip, Gerry!