Thread: Looking for a square that's actually square

If I could only have just one square, it would be a 12" (or 300mm) combination.

Try a Starrett, then use a Stanley, then go back to the Starrett. You will know what you want. There is world of difference in the way they adjust and feel in the hand, and in the details such as the way the markings are etched.

Better than a combination square is a 6" double square (no longer made. Mine comes off eBay). I have an old Starrett, but Lee Valley sell a new version. It is a really handy size for joinery.

If you want a cheaper version of the adjustable Colen Clenton (I have a beautiful 6" version), then Crown make a 4" size that is brass and Rosewood for about $60. I bought one years ago and it is also a favourite for joinery.

Someone mentioned cheap machinist square. Abnsolutely correct. Best kept secret.

I was hoping that Schtoo would chime in here. Contact him (in Japan). He is making CC-type squares and selling them. Much cheaper. Beautifully made (in the pics I have seen).

One always needs a bunch of squares. Small and large. Good ones are not always expensive, but cheap ones are not reliably decent.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by funkychicken

Can I see a piccy?

Sure, I will do that tomorrow.

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Try a Starrett, then use a Stanley, then go back to the Starrett. You will know what you want. There is world of difference in the way they adjust and feel in the hand, and in the details such as the way the markings are etched.

Absolutely agree!. Hans Brunner has a second hand one for sale for $110. See this page here. It will be the best $110 you will ever spend.

Also check FleaBay. I found 5 for sale in the US. They would cost next to nothing to ship by parcel post.

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Someone mentioned cheap machinist square. Abnsolutely correct. Best kept secret.

Again spot on. I have 50mm and 100mm engineer's squares. Excellent value for money.

Originally Posted by funkychicken

Can any one recommend a decent square that is guaranteed to be square?

I would love to have a Colin Clenton square but they cost alotta moneys

so a CC is outside your budget

have a look at the large and small Gifkins squares — they're low cost, laser cut from dimensionally stable material, garanteed SQUARE

for adjustable you can't go past the Starret combination squares, I've got two (12" and 6")

the 4" (?) Lee Valley Machinest square is also good value



ian

Why don't you make a square?

Originally Posted by echnidna

Why don't you make a square?

For about the third or forth time..I'm going to make one (If I get any time)

Originally Posted by funkychicken

For about the third or forth time..I'm going to make one (If I get any time)

OK, OK, OK, maybe one more OK, hurry up and post a pick of it or we'll drown you in suggestions.

I know. I know. why don't you make a square !

Originally Posted by echnidna

Why don't you make a square?

But won't he need a square square to make sure his square is square?

Originally Posted by Honorary Bloke

But won't he need a square square to make sure his square is square?

...spose....

One thing to probably remember funkychicken, woodern squares arn't too crash hot when running knives along them. wood tends to ding more, and you can't adjust them. bit of a pain say if you want to scribe align accross something that stops like a small rebate or whatever.

SO, take my advice !!!!! ..not them !......cause my advice is far, far , far better.

Here you are FC. They are 7cm, 12cm and 17cm. I use the 12cm one most of the time. I can't remember the exact prices but they should be between $10 to $25.

But won't he need a square square to make sure his square is square?

This was mentioned before. But here goes again - how to check squareness in a square ..

1. Tape a piece of blank paper flush against a straight table edge.

2. Place the square against this and draw a vertical line using the square.

3. Flip the square over and draw another line about 1mm from the first.

If the lines are parallel, then the square is set at 90 degrees. If not, work on it!

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hey FC

Why don't you just make a square ?



Just pulling your chain... The machinist squares look good.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by Honorary Bloke

But won't he need a square square to make sure his square is square?

That's why I'm getting a Multi Square from the AWR


Interesting Wongo... I'll consider them if my attempt goes belly up