>Several days ago I posted a question about "your favorite tools?" and a number of you mentioned your Starrett square. Which one? I jsut went a looked at the WoodCraft site and there are a bunch. The little one that looks like a Try Square with a sliding blade? Or a combination square? Why was the four inch one mentioned?
Thanks for all the answers. This is a great site thanks to all you guys, but it moves so fast, I brought this back to the top.
>My personal favorite is the 4" double square. I use it all the time- to check the squareness of the jointer fence, to check squareness of a cut, for marking. I prefer the double square to the combination square becuase I find that I use both the inside and outside of the square at 90 degrees. Once in a great while, I need a 45, so I'll reach for my combination square. 4" just seems to be the right size. I've got smaller and bigger, but this one is just right for the majority of tasks.
>I have the 12" 90/45 combination. I can move the tongue all the way to the end for checking inside square corners.
I made a shelf under the top of my workbench where the square lives when it's not in my hand. I don't allow myself to leave it laying around on top of the workbench where it will get knocked off.
>I have a 12" adjustable and a 4", and a teeny tiny double. Love them all! Actually though, the 4" adjustable is my favorite, but I just got the 12" for Christmas, so we'll see.
>I like my Starrett 4" double squares because of their size, accuracy, and how many uses I've found for them. Their size makes it easy to slip into an apron pocket and not feel bulky.
I use mine for things like checking square on interior and exterior corners, quickly checking the blade to table squareness on my table saw, checking bandsaw blade squareness to the table, measuring depth for joints and router bit height, laying out joinery and marking cut lines, and a list of other uses I've found through the years.
A couple years ago, I bought a 12" Starrett, which replaced, believe it or not, a Craftsman I'd used for over 15 years. I immediately noticed a huge difference in the way it felt and how smooth the head moved on the blade. I keep it on a pegboard with my other squares and marking tools and make a point of not laying it around after use.
>Got him the LV youth's tool belt. Stuck in the 4" combo squar and a small tape just for kicks. Get 'em young ! Although he is "getting" the whole square and 45 angle "thing" the bubble seems to hold the most interest. Grandpa had to learn him plumb and level. Who knew it would cause such a leason ?
>I used to be very careful with it when I had a concrete floor. A few mishaps convinced be that it is rather durable. Now that I have a new shop with wood floors, it just sits wherever it is handy.