Calibrating a tri-sqaure

[RedShirtGuy]

A while ago I bought a small 4" tri-square similar to the pic attached. It's quite handy, but unfortunately not very accurate so I tend not to use it as much as I'd like.

Is it possible to tune these things up (inside and out)? I've had a hunt around but can't find much other than calibrating combination or builders squares.

[vk4]

Take a piece of timber or metal with a STRAIGHT EDGE , place the square on the edge and draw a line , turn the square over , and line up the square with the line on the edge and draw another line .
This should show any error , measure this variation , divide in half, this figure is the adjustment that will need to be made.

This can be done for the inside as well.

As the square is metal the adjustment can done with a fine file .


Jeff

[artme]

Might be better to buy a new square! Bugger of a job to true it up if your hand tool skils are not up to scratch.

[RedShirtGuy]

I suppose if I try but stuff it up it's no real loss as I'd have to get another one anyway.

[chook]

Might be better to buy a new square! Bugger of a job to true it up if your hand tool skils are not up to scratch.

I have just made a big square out of Jarah. Apart from looking really nice it is very accurate and cost me almost nothing.

[jimbur]

Tapping the end of the blade (gently at first) on the bench or other solid wooden surface will sometimes bring them back to true.
Cheers,
Jim

[kevjed]

If you decided to buy another try:
COLEN CLENTON - Squares (http://www.hntgordon.com.au/colenclentonsquares.htm)
or
https://www.vespertools.com.au/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=17

Both are great tools
but they come at a price. lol

[RedShirtGuy]

Oh yeh...I'd *love* some of Chris' tools (Vesper) but I'm just too clumsy to be allowed access to such fine objects.
I am the personification of "this is why we can't have nice things" :B

[rustynail]

Heat the stock of the square and then tap the blade over.

[NCArcher]

Oh yeh...I'd *love* some of Chris' tools (Vesper) but I'm just too clumsy to be allowed access to such fine objects.
I am the personification of "this is why we can't have nice things" :B
Exactly the reason why you need a Colen Clenton. If you drop it you can easily recalibrate it. I love mine and am nearly ready to purchase some more of Colen's gear.

[FenceFurniture]

If you decided to buy another try:
COLEN CLENTON - Squares (http://www.hntgordon.com.au/colenclentonsquares.htm)
or
https://www.vespertools.com.au/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=17

Both are great tools
but they come at a price. lol

Well, the price can always be improved! Look here (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f12/group-buy-hnt-gordon-colen-clenton-michael-connor-vesper-tools-harold-saxon-151412/)(post #71 for Clenton)

[FenceFurniture]

Oh yeh...I'd *love* some of Chris' tools (Vesper) but I'm just too clumsy to be allowed access to such fine objects.
I am the personification of "this is why we can't have nice things" :B

You could try changing your shirt - red is known to scare tools out of hands.:D

[RedShirtGuy]

Very tempting FF. I'll see how I go tweaking what I have and put myself in the group buy if things go awry. Thanks.

[ClintO]

Its not often that you see a hammer as part of a calibration process

[vk4]

If the Square in question is STEEL< and the blade is welded/brazed in place, then a good quality metal file I would recommend a 2nd cut / double cut , or mill file ,.

Then carefully fie the blade until the square is square.

Jeff

[rustynail]

My small engineers square is a press fit. If it gets out of wack I heat the stock and the blade can be tapped over quite easily.