Thread: mid tier combination square

I bought the igaging one and I'm happy enough.
Currently on sale at timbecon



https://www.timbecon.com.au/igaging-...square-systems

I wanted to replace the rule on my Dads 100 YO Moore and Wright that he probably bought as an apprentice Fitter and Turner in Glasgow way back when. The Rule is etched on one scale to 64ths of an inch.After looking at all the squares at Bunnings i settled on the Crescent Lufkin Proslide , think it was $27. got it home , after every test it is accurate enough for all my woodworking tasks, and on a test using the diagonal method it is spot on. has a nice knurled brass adjuster.The Old Moore and wright rule is now in the ancient MOORE and Wright protractor which is an excellent square in itself, thanks Ross

It’s not difficult to fettle one to get it square. Bit of fine emery paper on a thin ruler and rub the little dimples where the blade of the square beds into the stock. Slowly slowly.

I too desired a metric 150mm combination square in mm not ½mm increments. Eventually I stumbled upon the USA manufactured 150mm Empire unit, available from Bunnings.

Empire 150mm True Blue Combination Square - Bunnings Australia

As for accuracy, I just went and tested mine again, after some years of normal usage, it is spot on. Others suggest that these units are not square, that is possible, but mine is square.

It is a pleasure to use and is metric on both sides, which to me is a must. From memory be careful when selecting these from the hooks they are displayed on in-store. I seem to remember there should be an M in the part number from the factory, denoting metric. Also, it is 150mm long, not 152.4mm being a direct conversion from a 6" unit. Take care to ensure the scribe is still there, it seems that unscrupulous customers knock off these inbuilt scribers. Took me a few units on the hook before I found one.

They also had a 300mm unit, but as I have my Stanley 300mm metric unit for the best part of half a century and it is still accurate, it should see me out.

I was able to check square in store by running the square over a piece of timber I had with me and a very finely sharpened pencil.

Mick.

When did you buy your empire? My old one was good. The new one I bought a month ago.

The ruler is cut at 152 or 153mm which is a little annoying if I want to measure backwards eg mark 10mm from the 140mm marking. My old one was cut at exactly 150mm. Seems minor but its annoying. Also, obviously not square over the 150mm.

I am reluctant to buy a starrett because I drop these things all the time.

I looked a lufkin and it was inches and mm which I dont really want.

The igaging - have you checked it for square or it just hasnt been an issue? Eg rule a line then flip the square and check if it matches

I bought my 150mm unit pre-COVID-19, I know this as I remember just walking in and browsing, seems so long ago...... Probably around 2018-2019.

I double checked mine and below is a picture of my square.


Empire_Square_150mm_IMG_20211226_130604.jpg

the new one is a different design to this, this is the same as my old one!

My recently bought
Lufkin is metric on both sides and has a screw in scribe , also a nice feature.the blade is etched, not printed, i have the Empire 150mm also and a 6 inch imperial I gaging ,use them all , so many uses, Ross

check the square head and see if it is tunable. Little raised strips at the bottom of the channel (for lack of a better way to say it) that can be lightly filed to true up the square.