We researched at least 20 combination squares and tested six, and we think the Irwin inch Combination Square is the best way to mark a straight line.  In addition to my work in the trades, I’ve been writing about and reviewing tools since with articles appearing in Fine Homebuilding, The Journal of Light Construction, Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, This Old House, and Tools of the Trade, where I’m a contributing editor. Recently I also spent three and a half years fully gutting and renovating my year-old farmhouse. (A lot of measuring and cutting there.) Who should get this. A combination square is a useful tool for layout and marking, particularly with any woodworking project. Every carpenter I’ve ever met carries one. Squaring your carpentry materials will be easy with this Peachtree Woodworking Supply impact-resistant polycarbonate combination square. It allows you to use a C-Clamp and an F-Clamp respectively. This pack of 8-inch square is suitable for setting standard 90 degrees, T-joint corners, all four corners, and outside right angles.  Woodworkers and machinists prefer to use scribers because it creates fine lines that enhance accuracy. While pencil marks might be easy to rub-off, the scriber’s mark doesn’t erase quickly. Miter (Square) Head. Generally speaking, a combination square comes with a standard head that can be used for measuring 90 degree and 45 degree angles. You can also purchase protractor heads to measure any angle between the rule (or blade) and the head, as well as a third type of head that will locate the center of a circle. The length of most combination square rules is 12", though longer rules can be purchased.  In cases where there are links to other sites, Canadian Woodworking recommends that you review their organization's privacy policy, as once you have left our site you become subject to the privacy and security policies of the new site. Third party advertising.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers. A good combination square is an invaluable addition to any toolbox — but which one should you purchase? There are hundreds to choose from, and the prices run the gamut. Each of our top five combination squares offers a great choice of features and excellent value. We're happy to recommend them in the table above.

If you'd like to know more about how we came to our decisions, please read on. An accurate woodworker's or engineer's square is a valuable part of any toolbox.

It allows you to check quickly if something is square — but that's really all it does. Some have combination square review fine woodworking for measurement, but they are of limited use. A combination square is much more versatile. It can be used to check degree or degree angles. Some combination square review fine woodworking with protractor heads that measure other angles. Different lengths can be set, making combination square review fine woodworking useful for marking.

The blade, which can be used separately as a rule, is usually much longer — 12 or 16 inches — whereas an ordinary square is six inches or less. At first glance, the combination square appears to be a simple tool. However, the materials used and the way it's put together make a big difference in how accurate it is and how long it lasts.

The blade, in combination with the head, are the two major components of a combination square. Quality of construction in both cases goes a long way toward defining Woodworking Combination Square Review Tool the accuracy of the finished combination square review fine woodworking. All blades are steel, but better ones are hardened and tempered, extending their life. Similarly, markings that are etched into the surface don't get worn away. Metric versions are also available. Rigidity is important to long-term accuracy, so the thicker the blade, the better.

The head is extremely important. Not only does it have the main bearing surfaces for gauging 45 and 90 degrees, it also has the slot through which the blade passes. If that doesn't run true and at a precise right angle, the tool will never be accurate. A machine screw is used to lock combination square review fine woodworking blade in place.

Quality here is everything. On cheap combination squares, the head is often made of die-cast alloy frequently just called "metal". Unfortunately, this is often not the case with low-cost tools. Better-quality heads are made from cast iron, which is extremely tough and resistant to oils and chemicals. The very best heads are made of forged and hardened steel, precision ground. It's an engineering tool rather than a woodworking one, and considerably more expensive.

A small bubble vial allows you to use a combination square as a spirit level. It's often nice to be able to check that something is level as well as square. Given the length of the head that it's built into, however, there are limits to its accuracy. If you need to check level over any distance, it's advisable to combination square review fine woodworking a laser level or a traditional model. The scriber is usually inserted into the back of the combination square.

It's a short, steel point that can be used to mark lines on all kinds of surfaces. Its main advantage is that it marks a finer, more accurate line than a pencil, and the mark doesn't get blurred or erased by handling.

The downside is that the mark is made by scratching into the material, so it's not easy to remove later if necessary. It's also quite small, so those with large fingers might find it difficult to use. There are a couple of possible variations on features to consider. Some combination squares also come with a protractor head, a center finder, or both. Protractor heads can be used to set and mark angles. While generally limited to degrees, some are marked on both sides and can gauge a full degrees by being flipped over.

A center finder is a fixed V shape with a degree angle inside the V. This is attached to the blade. When the open end of the V is placed against the edge of a round object, the blade indicates the center. Although these are reasonably robust tools, a bent blade or damaged head is likely to cause inaccuracies. For that reason, combination square review fine woodworking protective case is always a nice extra.

Is there an easy way to tell if my combination square is actually square? Yes, there is. Rest the head against a block of wood, and extend the blade as far as possible to form a standard, L-shaped square.

Use the scriber or a pencil to mark a line along the blade. The longer the line, the greater the accuracy. Now, flip the tool over so the other side of the head rests against the block. Push the blade up to the line you marked. It should meet. If it forms a V shape, then it's not properly square. Why are some combination squares a lot more expensive than others?

It comes down to the quality of the components, which define the precision of the instrument. Each of the elements mentioned above impacts accuracy and durability. If a combination square is something you'll only use occasionally, a budget model would probably suit you fine, though accuracy might be a little off. If you use a combination square regularly, however, it's worth making the extra investment. Thumb screws are often brass. Is there a reason for this? Brass has a quality feel and doesn't rust.

However, because it's relatively soft, it's usually just a decorative top. Underneath, there's a hardened steel machine screw. The Starrett combination square has a reputation for being the best on the market and delivering highly accurate results — this model lives up to that impressive reputation. Despite a few reports of inaccuracies, this is a decent combination square that comes at a price that's suitable for budget-minded do-it-yourselfers.

In spite of combination square review fine woodworking few consumer concerns, many more buyers love all that this square has to offer considering its budget-friendly price. Combination square review fine woodworking it if you like the idea of a combination square with extra functions; but keep in mind it may take you a while to master it.

Well made for the most part, with the exception of an occasional faulty locking mechanism. BestReviews wants to be better. Please combination square review fine woodworking our 3-minute survey, and give us feedback about your visit today. Take Survey. Best Combination Squares Updated December BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Bottom Line. Best of combination square review fine woodworking Best. Check Price. Best Bang for the Buck. Swanson Tool. Johnson Level combination square review fine woodworking Tool. How we decided We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Zero products received from combination square review fine woodworking. Updated December Written by Bob Beacham. Table of Contents Buying guide for best combination squares Why buy a combination square?

Construction and features Feature variations FAQ. Buying guide for best combination squares A good combination square combination square review fine woodworking an invaluable addition to any toolbox — but which one should you purchase? Sign up. A combination square is a great tool for setting guides on router tables and saws. A combination square can make a useful depth gauge. Rest the head on the top surface, and use the blade to measure downward.

Dec 02,  · Synopsis: Perhaps the most useful of all layout tools, the combination square is widely used for laying out joinery and checking to see if the corner of a case is square. But it’s also invaluable for diagnosing why a joint won’t come together or close up without gaps, and for checking a joint’s accuracy after it is www.- : Tim Rousseau. How to Get the Most from Your Combination Square. March 15, September 27, Why you need two and which two to buy. Swiss Precision Instruments- in. Combination Square Review. September 27, in. Combination Square. Mitutoyo- in. Combination Square Get the latest from Fine Woodworking Magazine #Jan/Feb Aug 17,  · The Irwin Tools Combination inch Woodworking Square is truly a fantastic piece of the square. It is suitable for both woodworking and many other purposes, which make this an all-purpose square. This combination square is made up of stainless steel and comes with a powder-coated protective layer that is rust-free.

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