Supersize My Combination Square

[Mike Henderson]

I've been looking for a Starrett H-8 combination square for a long time. Recently, I found used one at a decent price.

Starrett-H8.jpg

That's a standard 12" combination square in the picture to show the size of the Starrett H-8. The H-8 has a 24" rule and the head is maybe 8" (I didn't measure it).

While you can get longer rules for the standard combination square heads, the size of the head limits the usefulness of those long rules.

Anyway, just wanted to pass along the picture for those people who have never seen an H-8.

Mike

[Ray Newman]

Nice find! I have a weakness for Starrett. The head alone costs between US$175-215 new, depending upon the dealer. Again, nice find.

[Matt Day]

Thanks Mike, I've never seen one of those before. I'd like to get a large square at some point.

[Frederick Skelly]

Thanks Mike. Can you tell us where you bought it?

[ian maybury]

I didn't realise they came that large Mike. They must be quite expensive new - or have been since the numbers made would probably have been lower...

[Mike Henderson]

Thanks Mike. Can you tell us where you bought it?

I bough it in two purchases on eBay - one purchase for the head and one for the rule - separated by several months in time. I had saved a search for "Starrett large combination square" (I believe that's what it was) and waited for a long time - it's been much more than a year. They don't seem to come up very often. I paid over $60 just for the rule.

They're available new from Starrett but pretty expensive.

Mike

[Mike Henderson]

I just noticed an H-8 on eBay, listed as Buy it Now for $90, in case anyone is interested in a used one. Not great shape but not terrible.

Item 331634726781

Mike

[Bruce Page]

In all my years in machine shops I've never seen one of those.

[Mel Fulks]

I knew they existed just from looking at the catalog, but that is the only one I've ever seen. Congratulations on luck and persistence.

[Kevin Woodhead]

Nice grab Mike. I'd not heard of that model either. I recently found a Mitutoyo 916-410 precision engineers square (40" x 20", .001 square) on the bay for less than the cost of a Woodpeckers 24"x16" framing square. It should come in handy for squaring up the slider or when using the tracksaw. It's amazing what outstanding tools can be found with some patience.