Replies

1. 
   BrentS | Sep 04, 2005 06:05am | #1

   I presume you're talking about the metal right angles that all the suppliers are selling ? If so' I've used them a number of times and find them very useful. I use them with spring clamps but mostly for small to mid size projects. For larger projects I use the Jet Jointing Clamps. They hold even fairly large pieces of plywood in place while assembling. Great tools for assembly work in the one man shop.

    

   Brent

2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 04, 2005 07:28am | #2

   I can't figure out why any woodworker would buy such a thing.   You can make your own from scrap plywood in about 20 seconds.

3. 
   YesIWood | Sep 04, 2005 09:13am | #3

   Dukeone,

     I have been seeing these items flooding the market, too.  Often while I am looking through the latest tool mag.  I think they are a good idea but I hate buying something I can make.  I do have a couple speed squares that I use (and they work great) with spring clamps, during glue ups. 

   My question is are you checking for square by measuring across corner to corner?  This is the easiest way to ensure your project is square.  If you need some, make them yourself.

   Joe

   Is it really saw dust or wood dust?

4. 
   BG | Sep 04, 2005 02:51pm | #4

   dukeone,
   I think gluing up square is a huge challange and takes a considerable amount of thinking to accomplish. It aggravates me when I glue up the carcas 1/32nd out of square...only to glue up the drawer 1/32nd out of square the other way...ugh! What really aggravates me is when I glue up the carcas and its cockeyed (one of the corners is higher than the other corners)...
   I made a dozen clamping squares...but they only have utility in some of the applications. The best solution I've come up with is to use my cabinet saw, crosscut sled and fense to square up the piece three ways simultaenously. The clamping squares can help insure the upper parts are inline with the base. Hope this helps and not to confusing

5. 
   JohnH | Sep 04, 2005 04:25pm | #5

   I've used the ones from Rockler on several projects. It's great to KNOW that I am gluing parts EXACTLY perpendicular to each other and at EXACTLY to right location (i.e. flush joints). Yes, you can make them yourself. I'd rather spend my time making furniture, not making jigs and tools that I can buy. But that's just my opinion, I might be wrong.

6. 
   Dave45 | Sep 04, 2005 04:47pm | #6

   I have some of those clamping squares with the small (almost tiny) Irwin bar clamps.  They're sorta useful but I find it easier to use my 12" speed square during glueups. 

   I was gluing up some mitered pieces the other day and gave up on the clamping squares.  I would need at least one more hand to hold the miter in alignment while I tightened the clamps.

1. 
   walker910 | Sep 04, 2005 05:56pm | #7

   A while back I headed to the local Woodcraft outlet, all set to pick up a pair of these.  The first set I took off the rack were visibly out of square.  Visibly!  So I had less than complete faith in the rest of them on the shelf.  I asked the owner about this as I walked out the door, and he told me he had sent several sets back because of this very problem.

   Instead, when I got back to my workshop I took a piece of plywood, a 'square' square, and fashioned my own.  They were so easy to make, I wondered why I had ever considered buying the others in the first place. 

   Bob

7. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 04, 2005 07:07pm | #8

   are these really useful..

   YOU BET when they are needed.. Even usefull when dry fitting to hold 'stuff' so it does not fall on the floor and get all banged up...

   I do not have them but MANY 45 degree 'squares' of 3/4 inch ply of various sizes.. I use them ALL the time...

   Just have to be cut EXACT at 45 or whatever angle you need/want..