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I am looking for suggestions for a precision square set. I'm looking for a set as good as you think I might need for most woodworking accuracy.

wrmnfzy wrote:I am looking for suggestions for a precision square set. I'm looking for a set as good as you think I might need for most woodworking accuracy.

I sorta believe you don't really mean that but I am going to tell you what works for me. I do not need Starrett and I do not need Brown and Sharpe and I do not need Veritas and I do not need Woodpeckersr.

I need a couple different squares that are square. I found that need fully satisfied using the Engineers square that Shopsmith sells and an aluminum framing square by Stanley that I have had for many years. I have a couple other speed squares that I also use.

Scrutinize your combination squares. They get used and abused.

When making this decision you need to be honest with yourself as to why you are buying squares. What sort of precision do you really need? How square is square?

Also, learn how to check your squares for square.

I've never found a square that wasn't square. I have two ordinary steel ones, one large one and a smaller one. They were purchased at the local hardware stores and seem to be as perfectly square as can be measured.
Pick up a cheap one and test it. It is very easy. Set it against a flat surface and draw a line along the 90 degree side. The flip the square over. If it lines up perfectly with the line you just drew, it is square. If not, get a different one.
That simple test will give you square fit that is as good as your skills in using it are.

garys wrote:I've never found a square that wasn't square. I have two ordinary steel ones, one large one and a smaller one. They were purchased at the local hardware stores and seem to be as perfectly square as can be measured.
Pick up a cheap one and test it. It is very easy. Set it against a flat surface and draw a line along the 90 degree side. The flip the square over. If it lines up perfectly with the line you just drew, it is square. If not, get a different one.
That simple test will give you square fit that is as good as your skills in using it are.

Agreed but do the check using both sides of the blades.

http://www.woodsmithtips.com/2011/02/17 ... re-square/

I don't know how you are fixed for funds but right now there is the woodpecker one time tool offer going on here:

http://www.woodpeck.com/1281ss.html

If I were a rich man I'd go for the set but since I'm not I make do with the woodpecker I went with the 1281 as seen here:

http://www.woodpeck.com/1281.html

Still expensive but you will see a lot of these in professional woodworking shops and while I'm not professional I do like nice tools and having at least one good square in the shop helps even it it sits on the wall most of the time.

If you want to go cheaper then at least look to the functions you want from the square. Yes being square is one of them. If you are planing to use it for dimension then look at the scales it has, close to the wood for marking and reasonable scales, ie 1/8" markings is not really the way to go, perhaps at least 1/16".......... and do you want a flat square or some thing that has a edge.

Size is also another factor if you want to do set-up on a machine being either to small or too large can come into play.

I think one or more squares in the shop is going to happen as none are really all that much of a one of for all projects. I have a couple of ones that I like to use while working and a couple others I like for layout and a couple I like for setting up machines.

I guess you need to decide what purpose the square will have and then look to your wallet to see if you can afford a hardware store version or better.

BTW in the checking the square get rid of the pencil and use something that has a much more fine line. Something like this would be OK:

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.a ... 2936,42949

Maybe more then you wanted to think about but there really isn't a simple answer for anyone but you to answer in the long run.

Ed

I stocked up on a few plastic drafting triangles a few years ago. For quick use on squaring up blades, fences, and looking for flat across a board you can't beat them. My favorite is a big orange 45* one. Best thing is there cheap and can be picked up anywhere.

moggymatt wrote:I stocked up on a few plastic drafting triangles a few years ago. For quick use on squaring up blades, fences, and looking for flat across a board you can't beat them. My favorite is a big orange 45* one. Best thing is there cheap and can be picked up anywhere.

Plastic squares would not be my choice but as long as they are "square" they will certainly work.

My favorite ? any square that is square, I have been told now ,,,that most new carpenter square's need adjusted,,
2. a square that fits the size of work I am using it for ,
3. most discount combination squares are not all that true , although some are,
4.also learn how to adjust them so they are square .
5.You can buy plastic drawing triangle's and french curves in a set at many office supply stores , most are pretty accurate however not very rigid when used for setting up equipment .

You should test and verify your square regardless of the price or brand name.
JMO

I like precision, whether I need it or not. I am looking to get one of those Woodpecker's squares, just not sure which size I want.

I ordered this set. I have a bunch of Woodpecker tools.
641SS + 1281SS STAINLESS SQUARE INCH SET
Scheduled to ship August 2017.
$249.99
STSQ-ISET

Jack