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The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Essential Guide to the Steel Square by Ken Horner

Betsy Engel, contributor

no recommendations

Buy this book here

Photo: Courtesy of Fox Chapel

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Essential Guide to the Steel Square by Ken Horner.
Fox Chapel Publishing, 2007.
$19.95; 192 pp.

Essential Guide to the Steel Square has 17 chapters about the framing square. Some of the subjects covered include: problem solving techniques; how to use the scales on a square; laying out stairs, roofs, & rafters; and a lot of other calculations for figuring out different geometric shapes. The book has a drawing and/or table on almost every page to help explain the different techniques.

Lucky American Idler is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.

Check out the latest giveaway for a chance to win a copy of New Masters of the Wooden Box.

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Comments (45)

vrdzygner writes: so is this more than how to square a square and create stair risers, include me I'd like to know more
Posted: 5:54 pm on October 14th

nesta67 writes: Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!

Posted: 8:43 pm on October 5th

AsTheNight writes: Well gosh...I can't claim to know much about squares, but I know my hubby would be tickled to find this under the Christmas Tree! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Posted: 7:55 pm on October 4th

wmalcolmg writes: It is always good to return to the basics. count me in!
Posted: 5:29 pm on October 3rd

ky2here writes: I can always use another reference guide.
Posted: 7:48 am on October 3rd

robertm348 writes: Perhaps this book can help get me squared away! Please throw my name in the pot, and thanks for the opportunity to win it.

PS -- Will you guys sign it for me?

Bob
Posted: 9:04 am on October 2nd

drllucas writes: I have several old squares that need to be made square! Put my name in.
Posted: 6:08 pm on October 1st

joe53016 writes: New to woodworking... Maybe it'll teach me how to get a table top square the first try.
Posted: 3:04 pm on October 1st

ktwdg writes: Who knew you could have a whole book devoted to this. There must be a lot I don't know. Sign me up too.
Posted: 8:18 am on October 1st

chairmannz writes: Could be a good reverence book and maybe learn something new.
Posted: 3:11 am on September 30th

yohann writes: That book would be a great reference
Posted: 2:53 pm on September 28th

Palotito writes: Sounds interesting to me too. Pls. enter me.
Posted: 2:33 pm on September 28th

bricofleur writes: Hi Betsy,

I won't cut the corners round! Does the book really square?

Besr,

Serge
Posted: 2:32 pm on September 28th

Lige writes: My introduction to woodworking(carpentry) was by my Great Uncle who was a carpenter. He first taught me how to build 'rabbit gums' in late 1940's, then in the early 1950's I helped him build 4 100 foot chicken houses on my dad's farm. I was the 'gofer', but learned to hammer and saw. My uncle was illiterate, could not read or write, but was a master carpenter. At the end of the week when my dad would ask him what he owed him for the week, he would take out his framing square and calculate to the penny his wages. Even though he couldn't read, he was a magician with that square. I have always regretted that I did not show more interest and have him teach me the nuances of the framing square.
Posted: 10:59 am on September 28th

RalphBarker writes: I've always wanted to get my angles right. ;-)

Posted: 10:54 am on September 28th

MikeLingenfelter writes: Sounds interesting. Count me in on this one.
Posted: 10:52 am on September 28th

PurdueDan writes: Sounds like an interesting book.
Posted: 8:09 am on September 28th

RVH writes: Finally, a way to learn how to use the tables on my framing square!

RVH
Posted: 7:43 am on September 28th

RichardZ writes: How can I be viewing a blog with a person who uses words like "ostensibly"...count me in too...I guess,
Posted: 7:03 am on September 28th

jakegest writes: Looks neat.
Posted: 1:56 am on September 28th

regisand writes: This book would answer a lot of my questions.
Posted: 12:56 am on September 28th

Circuit Rider writes: Put my name in
Posted: 9:49 pm on September 27th

JLYoung writes: Sounds cool, I'd like to own this book
Posted: 9:32 pm on September 27th

chetkloss writes: Sometimes the most basic equipment brings the most value.
Im in.
Posted: 9:18 pm on September 27th

jdorris writes: Sounds like a winner. Count me in.

Posted: 9:16 pm on September 27th

highpro writes: Who couldn't use a book like that?
Posted: 9:11 pm on September 27th

bjc68speed writes: Plumb, level and square is overrated.Sign me up anyway.
Posted: 7:45 pm on September 27th

bruno2you writes: I could use a book.

Posted: 7:16 pm on September 27th

DaveHarrison writes: Just occasionally, I feel I'd like something for nothing, something useful that is!
Posted: 7:00 pm on September 27th

slydogx writes: count me in please
Posted: 6:10 pm on September 27th

TechOtter writes: For someone who comes from a long line of men who know what the jagged edge on a saw is used for, and who at the tender pre-retirement age of 55 is trying desperately to follow in their footsteps (thereby stopping their ghostly snickers), this book would be a valuable stepping stone forward.
Posted: 5:48 pm on September 27th

sk2tobin writes: sounds interesting. Count me in.

Posted: 2:45 pm on September 27th

Blackwill writes: If you knew anything about my Math skills, you'd understand why I would LOVE to have this book....
Posted: 2:14 pm on September 27th

butchf18a writes: dang computer...didn't intend to post 3 of the same comment, but when computer says didn't go through i tried again and again. After logging back on there they all are.
Posted: 1:34 pm on September 27th

butchf18a writes: Just when you think you know it all something comes along to prove you wrong. The plumb bob and square were used to build the pyramids. Yet few people, including myself, understand and appreciate the mulitplicity of capabilities held within this ostensibly simple tool.
Posted: 1:30 pm on September 27th

butchf18a writes: Just when you think you know it all one discovers they are wrong. The plumb bob and the square were fundamental in the construction of the pyramids. Few people, including myself, understand and appreciate the multiplicity of capabilities held within this ostensibly simple tool.
Posted: 1:27 pm on September 27th

butchf18a writes: Just when you think you know it all you find out you are wrong. A plumb bob and simple square were used to build the pyramids and yet so few, including myself, truly appreciate the multiplicity of capabilities held within this ostensibly simple tool.
Posted: 1:25 pm on September 27th

casaheil writes: I'd love to win this book!
Posted: 12:59 pm on September 27th

Jollyroger writes: Shooting square is the first step to getting on the level.
Sign me up, partner.
Posted: 12:55 pm on September 27th

steveswhite writes: Please enter me. I need all the help I can get making things square.
Posted: 12:02 pm on September 27th

baudi writes: yes, please.
Posted: 11:59 am on September 27th

skandic writes: If I can figure my square out, I might even buy a level next!
Posted: 11:24 am on September 27th

American Idler writes: I'm interested in how this book compares to "Practicle Treatise On The Steel Square", a two volume set published in 1906. It's really incredible what you can do with this tool once you know how to use it!
Posted: 11:15 am on September 27th

Xa writes: Sounds cool, I'm in too!
Posted: 10:31 am on September 27th

Beckum writes: Count me in.
Posted: 10:22 am on September 27th

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