Shopsmith Forums

So years ago I bought a new carpenter square , got it home and when I went to use it nothing was coming out square, small cuts were not that noticeable,,, however anything over 6 inches or so was out of square, I thought it was me.

I took the square to a new piece of plywood that I knew had flat surface and drew a line the full length of the square , then turned the square around and along the same line drew another corresponding line , low and be hold it was out 1/8 or more inch in 2ft.

Took it back and got another one, tested it the same way ,,,, it was out of square as well ,,,, after dong a lot of research I found a video on youtube about the ordeal,,,,, I was able to adjust the square back into square.

It seems that ,,,,,,no ,,,,,new 2ft carpenter squares are square,, they all need adjusting .


Adjusting is rather simple , lay it flat on a flat solid surface,,depending on what way it is out ,,, take a center punch ,,,,and make a ding right in the inside corner .,,,,,, this will manipulate the square , keep testing it until it becomes perfect .



This works , I now have adjusted 3 squares back into square.

I don't do videos since there are all ready ,,,,,many,,,,, out there ,,,, in case this is confusing ,,,,,you can find this info easy on youtube.

If you want a new square,,,that is square,,,,, spend the money and buy a ,,,,machine'st square,,,,, but test it .

Hobbyman2

Thanks for that tip. I will go check mine that I always suspected was slightly out of square.

I think the keyword here is carpenter square. Most framing lumber by nature is 1/8 out and unless nailed in place will warp a lot more over time. Even then wall studs sometimes do twist.

You must use the right tool. Making a cabinet use a cabinet square or finishing square (try square) Building a pole barn use a carpenter square.

Yes you can adjust a carpenter square to precise measurements, but I found you have to check it often a slight bang will usually change it.

Unless we are talking about expensive, professional instruments, if I was to discover my square was out of square I would go get a different one.

Buying a new inexpensive square these days is a crap shot at best. I have an old aluminum Stanley framing square that is right on.

I remember an uncle/grandpa showing me this like 60 years ago. Center punch to the inside to widen the ends, center punch to the outside to tighten. Funny how somethings stay with you. Funny thing was it even seemed logical to me even then.

I still have one of his steel squares, actually I have one from my wife's side of the family too. I don't use them as they are heavy and hard to read. I've got two aluminum squares that I use and they check out very well and always have with no adjustments ever.

For more precise work I have another square that I take better care. Of course that was $100 so you do have to pay to get the precision if you want it or need it.

Ed

especially when making jigs and sleds,,no mater how experienced you are ,, it is important to know you can trust your tools.

Ya can never have enough tools !!


Hobbyman2