If I have both a combo and a double square...

Re: If I have both a combo and a double square...

mikew


>For general layout of joinery, I use my 4" and 6" double squares more than a combo. I think it's a scale/weight thing.

But I do use a variety of squares, try squares, combos, double and even drafting triangles. As well, a speed square and ...

Got a few. A lot of times rather than resetting for a different measurement or offset I will use a couple set and locked for measurements.

Take care, Mike

Re: If I have both a combo and a double square...

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)


>Bill

The truth is that we don't really "need" all these squares, and most of the time I (and I suspect others too) just grab a favourite. What is pertinent is which one you grab and why.

I have a couple of 12" Starrett combos, one in metric and one in Imperial, both used on larger work. There is also a 3" Starrett combo and a 6" Starrett double-square. (And I am not even going to mention the accessories for the Starretts or other squares I own, although the latter are relevant in this story).

When I grab a square for smaller stuff it will be the 6" double square. I just like using it - the double side is easier than a regular combo style. A regular combo, which includes a 45 degree angle, is more versatile but I prefer to use a dedicated 45 degree square at such times.

So it comes down to double square plus angled square at the bench, and combo square around the house.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: If I have both a combo and a double square...

Moses Yoder in White Pigeon, MI


>The problem I have when I sell a tool I think I don't need is that the money is soon spent somewhere and then I find a moment when that tool I just sold would have been just the right tool. Okay, so I am a pack rat. Admission is the first step to overcoming the addiction. I did recently sell an edge sander, and then took the money and bought a Jansport back pack from the local Dunhams sporting goods. I am positive I am not going to miss the edge sander, I am going to really enjoy the extra space in the shop, and I love the back pack.

Re: If I have both a combo and a double square...

William Duffield, on the Cohansey


>I have a 6" rule with a combo head and a center finder head, 12" and 24" rules with combo, center finder and protractor heads, and a 4" double square. All rules are in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds and 64ths. I use them all, but the one that I use the most is the 4" double square. It fits in my shirt pocket, while the 6" doesn't, and there is still room for pens, sharpies and a cellphone. A combo head (even a 4" one) is much clumsier to carry in a pocket because it tends to catch going in and coming out.

Four different measurement scales are important, as I find the 64th marks get in the way when I only need to measure 8ths or 16ths.The double head also is a lot easier to set to and read a particular measurement, as it is much less often necessary to remove the blade to turn it around or turn it over to position the right scale against the side of the head than a combo head.

I haven't bothered to get a center finder head for the 4" because I find the 6" convenient enough for most of my lathe work.

I also have another very useful gizmo (a Lufkin equivalent to Starrett No. 289 series) that will hold two different rules perpendicular to each other.

I would suggest you keep both of the squares you have, and consider adding more as they become available in the future. Prices are often quite reasonable on the used tool market.

Looked at prices on eBay

Bill Houghton, foggy mornings in Sebastopol, CA


>and the possible gain from selling one square isn't enough to justify it. Let my grandkids argue over who gets which one.

Re: If I have both a combo and a double square...

Bob Lang


>The thing I like most about the double square is I can set it for a specific distance and still have a square available, something that doesn't work with the combination square.

I think the 4 inch is handier than the six, so not only do you need the two you have, you need another as well. I have the 4" Starret, but have used the one from Lee Valley and like it a little better.

Bob Lang

Good choice!

Derek


>I have not had much shop time in months but when I do get shop time, I use the 6" Starret double square almost all the time. I use a 12" Starret combo square reasonably often.

When I'm out of the shop, I use a 15" or so Stanley combo square, which incidentally IS square, a lot. I won't take the Starret's out of the shop for anything!

My 6" double square does need slight tweaking with a needle file to keep it square every now and then. It is handy for lots of marking stuff. The fact tat I can measure depth and bit height and lots of other things easily and accurately with it is wonderful I really like being able to flip it over and use the other side of the square to measure things when I have one side set for a given distance/depth/etc.

Anyway - enjoy them all! You won't get much for them.

Re: Looked at prices on eBay

Tony Zaffuto


>In the past six months, I bought a 12" Starret combo square, with all three heads, total cost of less than $50 including shipping.

In another purchase I bought a 6" Starret combo for less than $16 including shipping. The 6" is excellent to better than excellent condition. The 12" had two of the heads still covered in the grease/cosmoline they are shipped in when new! The blade and other head were also excellent.

For some reason, machinists tools (where I looked at for these) seem to be priced less than our woodworking "things".