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Thread: What square to buy?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Sorrento, Louisiana
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    157

    What square to buy?

    I am looking for a good 6" try or combination square that is actually square. Are the try squares better or more accurate than combination? I was looking at the 6" woodpecker try square. Does anyone have any info on these? What about machinest squares accuracy? I bought a crown 6" from woodcraft($25.00) but it is not square. So I am looking to spend more to get a good one that I can trust. Recomendations please.

  2. #2
    The higher quality squares are good -- Starrett and Mitutoyo have been good brands and all have been square out of the box. Brown & Sharpe also makes quality products. The higher priced squares typically come with certificates of accuracy. I just posted info a few days ago from a machine tool company that is offering Mitutoyo squares for 50% off of 2007 pricing -- a 3" square was $25 and it is accurate to .00026".

    Scot

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
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    Williamsburg,Va.
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    The only place I use those cheap imported steel squares is around my belt grinder,where water will get them rusty,etc.. But first,I make them more accurate by bonking them with a mallet to fit up to my Starrett or vintage B&S squares.

  4. #4
    I had an Incra square for a few years. It was and is square and will take a few falls to the floor without loosing is accuracy. Its only problem is it is aluminum and the falls onto the concrete will dent the softer aluminum. I now have both a 6 inch and a 12 inch Starrett stainless steel square with the certificates of accuracy. Both of these are square and very nice

    http://www.amazon.com/Incra-GSQR7-Gu.../dp/B0000639X2

    http://www.mansontool.com/cart/shopexd.asp?id=5492

    http://www.mansontool.com/cart/shopexd.asp?id=5493

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    NW Missouri
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    79
    +1 for the incra. Excellent square, IMO.

  6. #6
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    Apr 2009
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    Great Falls, MT
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    and yet another +1 for the Incra...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Rochester, NY
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    681
    The 4" and 6" Starrett squares are the ones I grab first. They are among the most-used tools I own.

    Mike

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    LA & SC neither one is Cali
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    Incra, Starret and Mitutoyo. If you just want a setup square then the Incra, for a combo square get the Starrett or the Mitotoyo.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Mid Missouri (Brazito/Henley)
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    2,769
    Plastic drafting squares are VERY accurate. No huge investment if one is damaged. A 45/90 and 30/60/90 are very handy to have around.

    But, there is no question a good machinist's combination or try square is indispensible for critical work. General makes some good stuff and it's less expensive than Starrett or Mytutoyo.
    [/SIGPIC]Necessisity is the Mother of Invention, But If it Ain't Broke don't Fix It !!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
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    Atlanta, GA
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    Quote Originally Posted by Michael Peet View Post
    The 4" and 6" Starrett squares are the ones I grab first. They are among the most-used tools I own.

    Mike
    Ditto. Ya gets what ya pays for. Plus - your great-great-great grandkids can use them, and they'll still be square (not the kids - the Starrets).
    When I started woodworking, I didn't know squat. I have progressed in 30 years - now I do know squat.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Sorrento, Louisiana
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    Just ordered the Mitutoyo 8" an 3" for 95.00. Not quite the deal Scott got but I am satisfied. The 8" alone would be 185.00 for the new model. Thanks Scott and everyone for the great info as always.

  12. #12
    FWIW, I have the set of 4 Groz squares. For $60, they're as precise as I need for setting up tools, but cheap enough to use everyday for woodworking as well. If I drop one, and it goes out of square, I don't cry. I toss it out and buy a new one for $15.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Winterville, NC (eastern NC)
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    2,360
    For accuracy, you can't beat a Starrett. They include a certificate of accuracy with each tool. For looks and accuracy, look at Bridge City Tools. I use mine all the time when checking the jointer fence, joint lay-out and sometimes checking the thickness of a board. Go with great quality from the beginning and you will be set for life.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Northwest Kansas
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    66
    I've got several Woodpeckers squares that are very accurate. I have a Bridge City Tool 4" speed square that is dead-on. For quite a bit more, the BCT DSS6 is on helluva 6" sliding square/saddle square combo with three rules included. BCT and Woodpeckers both have impeccable quality.

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