Why are the rules in combination squares two inches too short! You buy a “12 inch” combination square, but once you set the head you only get at most 10 inches of measure, etc. So, then you have to buy an 18″ comb. square to measure those lost two inches! Does this bother anyone else?
David
Replies
You can get 16" rules.
Yes, and 18" and 24" and apparently 36", but all are two inches too short. Why don't they just make all of them two inches longer? I have a 16", but I had to buy that after buying a 12". So, I have, actually, a 4", a 10", a 14", and a 22". Perhaps this makes sense to the makers, but it doesn't to me.
David
We use a framing square for longer then 10-12" better yet I have a big Tee Square that I use for layout on cabinet parts that goes about 30" .
dusty
I believe the reason is covered in one of the early chapters of Genesis. "Its in the book" as the old song went.
So you are saying they should provide a 14" rule on a square and call it a 12" square?
How do you feel about the 10" table saw blade?
Well, that's an interesting thought. I hadn't worried about that until now!
David
Ahh, as the old saying goes, there's something in a name.
Why do you think they call it a combination square in the first place? Maybe 'cause it can, in addition to being used as a square, also be used as a ruler?
Thus the 12" length.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
hawar,
Look..that is what we guys call a foot...don't push it, size matters...lol
Hey frank,
How do you feel about the 10" table saw blade?
I think it's a bloody rip off! Next thing you know they'll be trying to sell us 8" dado blade sets! :-)
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
You are forgetting you can square 20" if you swap ends. You can cut them shorter if they get into a tight spot. I used mine for years.
Alas, I lost the combination. Steinmetz.
Edited 3/5/2008 8:23 am ET by Steinmetz
No. I bought a 14".
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
"Does this bother anyone else?"
Nope. You're the only one.
-Steve
I know what you mean, brother. I'd hate to come up 2" shorter.
For about 90% of my work the 12" is okay. But that other 10% will drive you crazy.
hawar,
Hey it's the same thing with pipe clamps, too. You buy a 3' piece of pipe, and the head and tail pieces take up a couple-three inches of it. And what's up with those so called 10" saw blades, ever try to rip a 10" thick plank with one of those? And lathe beds, too. 8' ceilings--sure, unless you want sheetrock covering the joists, or carpet on the subfloor... What was really inside the wrapper of the last "$100,000" candy bar you bought? Not cash! I could go on and on. I think it must be a conspiracy. Life is so unfair.
Time for my meds. At least they still come 30 to the bottle. Wait. March has 31 days.
Ray
Ray,
Yah, and Feb. took 29 days this year. I couldn't wait for it to get over! They've got some nerve makin it longer by whole day! Now you're 2 pills short!
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 3/4/2008 1:54 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
And God created March in case eternity proved too brief.
Injun rider ,
Even if I happen to be back in Va, I might just keep my distance until refill day .
Step away from the cycle
Hey , I saw this ad for designer dirt for the landscaping around your home so what the heck , I changed my business strategy instead of all that joinery , the leftovers are neatly bagged with a ribbon around them , sales are improving .
dusty, maker of designer kindling
dusty,
Used to see a fellow selling chairs and stools at the craft shows. He always had a big basket of his cut-offs that he'd sell for .25 apiece to the kids. Apparently it was enough of a paying proposition, for him to soften the corners on his belt sander first.
Use a gold ribbon, it is classy looking.
Ray
"Does this bother anyone else?"
Not me.
Weld another two inches on your combo square. You're kidding right? Does this really bother you?
mike
Mike, I am just working up to ranting about all the 1 1/2 X 3 1/2's. I'll get over it.
David
David,
Are you old enough to remember when a 2 by 4 was a full 1 3/4 by 3 3/4 ?
heh heh,
Ray
Ray, I've got to be old enough! I'm so old that I thought they were truly 2 x 4 at one time, perhaps they were never that! I remember when a black boy stood barefoot on big East Texas timbers as they were guided into a huge rip saw, but I was a child then visiting a mill town where my uncle ran the commisary .
David
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