Replies

1. 
   mwenz | Jun 05, 2006 12:50am | #1

   Depending on the size you need, I use one of two speed squares a lot. One has 12" sides, the other 8". Both available at HD.

   Bigger than that, and I belive Lee Valley has one iirc. Look on their site.

   Take care, Mike

2. 
   BruceS | Jun 05, 2006 02:23am | #2

   OH my !!  I  only use my speed square for rough framing, nothing more.  Where +/- 1/16 doesn't mean a rip.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   mwenz | Jun 05, 2006 05:15am | #4

   An aluminum speed square is actually close to accurate. Two minutes or less with a file and it is spot on. They register against edges well, hold accuracy when dropped.

   Take care, Mike

1. 
   BruceS | Jun 05, 2006 05:55am | #5

   I've got a  Johnson speed square for framing,  But stick with my Sterrett for everything else.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   mwenz | Jun 05, 2006 06:09am | #7

   Yep, but if there's a chance it will see abuse, my 1950s era Tumico combo, Starrett combos, B&S double squares--not to mention my vintage Disston 16", 12" and 8" try squares, and my Stanleys--stay on the wall.

   Heck, I even have a very accurate framing square. And a drywall T-square I've trued. Doesn't mean I depend on them alone, but the speed squares I know are accurate enough for fine furniture over a 12" distance.

   Take care, Mike

3. 
   QCInspector | Jun 05, 2006 02:59am | #3

   If you want a carpenters square of quality, then this is the one.

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32587&cat=1,42936,42944&ap=1

   But if you are throwing them around, ("The one I had took flying lessons today !") it won't last either. If it's a case of butter fingers then maybe get aluminum ones in bulk and replace as required.

   If it's accuracy that you're striving for then you could look for something like these.

   http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/groupf.asp?GrpTab=Feature&GroupID=395

   http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/groupf.asp?GrpTab=Feature&GroupID=72

   Just don't take it to the airport!!!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 6/4/2006 8:34 pm by QCInspector

4. 
   mudman | Jun 05, 2006 06:08am | #6

   I've never needed a super accurate square of that size. Are you using it for lay out or machine set up?

   If it is for lay out a quality drafting square will be more accurate than any of your machines. Also, if your machines are set up well you should be able to make a pretty darn accurate square for lay out purposes.

   If it is for machine set up there are far more accurate methods the get machines cutting square than using a "square".

   Mike

   Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

5. 
   BG | Jun 05, 2006 01:29pm | #8

   Citrouille,

   Woodcraft had two: one kinda beefy that is aluminum, one steel and more expensive. I wanted to replace my cheapie from the 70's figuring it was probably out of line too much to fix. I compared my old one with the new at Woodcraft ....no difference that I could detect....  

6. 
   Pondfish | Jun 05, 2006 01:41pm | #9

   Go with a Starrett; there are plenty of them available on eBay for a good discounted price (vs. a new one).  I bought a 6", 12" and 24" set this way, with a protractor head, too.  I use mine just about every day on the job.

   These tools are often bought by snipers, so be prepared to snipe the auction yourself.  Check out JustSnipe, which gives you 5 free snipes a week.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
1. 
   citrouille | Jun 05, 2006 01:52pm | #10

   Thank you all for the input.My old square went flying out of my frustration.
   I really should have said I wanted a try square.
   I found exactly what I was looking for at Dieter Schmid's http://www.fine-tools.com
   ECE 400mm blade try square, I have several ECE tools and like them.Of course for everyday use I have a Starrett combination square, I couldn't work without it !Thanks again,C.

7. 
   joinerswork | Jun 05, 2006 02:53pm | #11

   citrouille,

   "I ma looking for a big square, something like a carpenter square but of very high quality.
   A tool I can really depend on. Beefy and strong."

   Gosh, that sounds like you may be making a pass at most of the guys on this list.  Many of us are already married, however.

   Good luck in your quest,

   Ray

8. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Jun 06, 2006 03:39am | #12

   Mr. C, I looked for a good rafter sq a few years ago and the ONLY one I could find was the $44.50 LV stainless. It's a beaut, polished out and with milled edges not rough sheared. All the best, Pat