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20th October 2018, 10:54 PM #1
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Starrett Combination Square choice
Manythanks to anyone who can shed some light on this - I've done a search, and found no answers so far on what I hope is a simple question.
I'm looking to buy a good quality combination square, and I believe the choice here would be a Starrett.
In doing my research, I felt that a 300mm unit would be the most appropriate size. I found they have two choices of ruler, their standard ruler, and a chrome satin version that looks to be a lot easier to read.
With all of that settled, I came across two models they have that seem to tick all the boxes:
Unit 1: C435M-300 300mm Combination Set with Square, Center and Reversible Protractor Head and Blade
Unit 2: C434M-300 300mm Combination Set with Square, Center and Reversible Protractor Head and Blade
As you might see, they are extremely similar units - in fact, the only difference is that the first unit has cast iron heads, and the second unit has forged steel heads.
There is also a price difference, though I am happy to buy either of them (buy once, cry once).
Over to the collective wisdom if I may - with two questions:
(1) Cast Iron or Forged Steel heads (and so I can learn, if you can let me know why, I'll add to my knowledge!)
(2) Do you know of a better choice than the model(s) I have chosen, either for model choice, or even brand? I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.
As always, many thanks for any information and wisdom that can be shared!
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21st October 2018, 12:02 AM #2
China
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For wood workers either would be suitable, some metal worker believe cast iron to be more stable, i.e. it is less susceptible to environmental changes
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21st October 2018, 01:05 AM #3
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I have both (purchased cheaply on eBay USA), one metric and the other imperial. Can't say that they work any differently. However the steel is more durable - the cast iron can break if dropped.
The satin chrome blades are great.
Regards from Perth
DerekVisit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.
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21st October 2018, 02:38 AM #4
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you will be very happy with either unit.
however DO NOT BUY the version with the metric / imperial rule.
I find the 6" (150 mm) version more useful than the larger head
I also have a PEC double square and find it almost as nice to use as my Starrett combination squares.regards from Alberta, Canada
ian
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21st October 2018, 09:35 AM #5
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Thank you China, Derek and Ian for your thoughts and information - truly appreciated to say the least!
I have actually thought of scouring eBay for one in the hope of getting a bargain, but I stopped myself because of the risk of inadvertently buying a knock off that is made cheaply and wouldn't be half as good.
Ian, thank you - I do have an engineers square now, though it's of dubious provenance (the name, if I recall, is Groz), I had forgotten about the PEC units despite seeing them on Rob's site, and I wasn't even aware of the double square - I will take a fresh look at these too.
The 150mm Starrett is on the wish list too - I can easily see the value in having both sizes. I figured for the purpose of deciding which material it's best made from, I could simply ask about one of the sets
Many thanks to all yet again for your wisdom and assistance!
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21st October 2018, 11:45 AM #6
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Perhaps try here https://www.toolexchange.com.au/our-...stable-squares
I have both the 150mm and the 300mm and like I an the larger one gets used very little.CHRIS
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21st October 2018, 01:13 PM #7
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I have the Starrett 150mm combination square in metric only markings.
I find myself using the smaller Starrett square for lots of things, e.g. setting marking gauges, checking groove depths, etc. Now my eyes are aging, the scale is very easy to read. No regrets from buying it.
I bought mine from Amazon UK as it was noticeably cheaper and they offered the metric-only options.New Zealand
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21st October 2018, 02:23 PM #8
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The Starrett is really nice to read because they have different length graduation lines for ALL the markings, not just 5 and 10 mm
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