I am getting weary of buying 45¡ miter squares from mail-order catalog firms and receiving ones of 44¡ or 46¡ instead. Veneering does not permit such a variance. The angle of a miter square can be checked with a perfect straightedge (a wide piece of carefully jointed 3/4-in. maple will do) and a draftsman’s triangle with an angle of exactly 90¡.

First (A) place the miter square against the straightedge, as shown in the drawing. Then (B) position the 90¡ angle of the triangle against the extended leg of the miter square. With the triangle secured, (C) flop the miter square to the other side of the triangle. Slide it against the straightedge until it meets the triangle. Any resulting angle between the miter square and the triangle is twice the error angle of the miter square.

C. Edward Moore, Bowie, Md.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, February 1979 No. 14

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

Buy at Lee Valley

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon

Suizan Japanese Pull Saw

A versatile saw that can be used for anything from kumiko to dovetails. Mike Pekovich recommends them as a woodworker's first handsaw.

Buy at Amazon