 |
Woodworking Online
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Michael Press
Guest
|
 Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:11 am Post subject: Good combination square |
 |
|
I've read past discussions in this group, but the threads seemed to
boil down to the Starrett or you're making parallelograms.
I'm hoping for an alternative that's priced in the same universe as
reality. Not sure exactly what price that is...
But for example the Woodcraft-branded combo square with 3 heads
(square, center-finder, protractor) is about $70
(http://tinyurl.com/32rk8). That seems almost reasonable if it's
good'n square, easy to read and use. They've got a much less
substantial-looking no-name one for $25 with all three heads
(http://tinyurl.com/3yxea)
Comments on the Woodcraft or suggestions for another brand?
Thanks,
Michael |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Edwin Pawlowski
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:52 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
Michael Press wrote:
| Quote: |
I've read past discussions in this group, but the threads seemed to
boil down to the Starrett or you're making parallelograms.
I'm hoping for an alternative that's priced in the same universe as
reality. Not sure exactly what price that is...
Comments on the Woodcraft or suggestions for another brand?
Thanks,
Michael
|
With Starrett, you know it is accurate. With other brands you have to ask.
Go to the store and ask the salesman if you can check the accuracy of their
square against the Starrett.
You also have to consider the use. Machine setup or a machinist needs very
high accuracy. Building a shed or picnic table need much less. Most
woodwork falls between the two.
--
Ed
esp@snet.net
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
B a r r y
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 5:02 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 18:11:58 -0500, Michael Press
<michaelpressNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:
| Quote: |
Comments on the Woodcraft or suggestions for another brand?
|
Forget the 3 heads. I can count on one hand the number of times I've
used the protractor or center finding head in woodworking If you have
a lathe, you can use a plastic center finder that'll be plenty
accurate.
Get a 12" Starrett, Mitutoyo, or Brown & Sharpe combination square.
You can get the Starrett or Mitutoyo for about $65, the B&S will cost
more. For angles other than 90 and 45, use architect's drawing tools,
which are surprisingly accurate for the price. A 30/60 triangle and a
decent protractor can be had for about $15, total, at any office
superstore.
I find a 6" Starrett to be the best day to day, but when you need the
12", you'll need it. If I could only have one it would be a 12". 6
and 4 inch squares make great marking gauges as well!
Barry |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Unisaw A100
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 5:19 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
Michael Press
| Quote: |
Comments on the Woodcraft or suggestions for another brand?
|
I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to buy the Woodcraft square
"if" it's square because a square square is square no matter
who made it.
As for others, look for anything with a heavy head and an
engraved blade. Again, a square square is square no matter
who made it.
For additional alternatives search site like MSC (industrial
supplies and tools).
www.mscdirect.com
Or, get up early for the next eleventy billion Saturdays and
hit the garage/rummage sales.
UA100 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lowell Holmes
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 5:30 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
There are other caveats to the Starrett besides accuracy. It works smooth in
the handle. It never binds. The graduations on the blade are distinct and
very easy to read.
SWMBO gave me mine for Christmas. This year, she gave me the Veritas
shoulder plane. :-)
"Michael Press" <michaelpressNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:e0mn305fstq74tlcqducqbm863c29qoim7@4ax.com...
| Quote: |
I've read past discussions in this group, but the threads seemed to
boil down to the Starrett or you're making parallelograms.
I'm hoping for an alternative that's priced in the same universe as
reality. Not sure exactly what price that is...
But for example the Woodcraft-branded combo square with 3 heads
(square, center-finder, protractor) is about $70
(http://tinyurl.com/32rk8). That seems almost reasonable if it's
good'n square, easy to read and use. They've got a much less
substantial-looking no-name one for $25 with all three heads
(http://tinyurl.com/3yxea)
Comments on the Woodcraft or suggestions for another brand?
Thanks,
Michael |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
KYHighlander
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 5:59 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
I have an old Stanley that is square.
--
http://users.adelphia.net/~kyhighland
"Michael Press" <michaelpressNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:e0mn305fstq74tlcqducqbm863c29qoim7@4ax.com...
| Quote: |
I've read past discussions in this group, but the threads seemed to
boil down to the Starrett or you're making parallelograms.
I'm hoping for an alternative that's priced in the same universe as
reality. Not sure exactly what price that is...
But for example the Woodcraft-branded combo square with 3 heads
(square, center-finder, protractor) is about $70
(http://tinyurl.com/32rk8). That seems almost reasonable if it's
good'n square, easy to read and use. They've got a much less
substantial-looking no-name one for $25 with all three heads
(http://tinyurl.com/3yxea)
Comments on the Woodcraft or suggestions for another brand?
Thanks,
Michael |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
J.B. Bobbitt
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 6:45 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
FWW published a review of combination squares within the last year or so, I
think.
I just bought myself the Starrett 6" combination for Christmas and I highly
recommend it. The difference compared to a cheap square is considerable.
And there's something about the basic quality of the tool; you can "feel" it
in the heft in hand and the way it feels in use.
Check out prices at The Japan Woodworker (www.japanwoodworker.com); they're
the best I've seen.
Disclaimer: Not affiliated. Claimer: Satisfied repeat customer.
-JBB
"Michael Press" <michaelpressNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:e0mn305fstq74tlcqducqbm863c29qoim7@4ax.com...
| Quote: |
I've read past discussions in this group, but the threads seemed to
boil down to the Starrett or you're making parallelograms.
I'm hoping for an alternative that's priced in the same universe as
reality. Not sure exactly what price that is...
But for example the Woodcraft-branded combo square with 3 heads
(square, center-finder, protractor) is about $70
(http://tinyurl.com/32rk8). That seems almost reasonable if it's
good'n square, easy to read and use. They've got a much less
substantial-looking no-name one for $25 with all three heads
(http://tinyurl.com/3yxea)
Comments on the Woodcraft or suggestions for another brand?
Thanks,
Michael |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DarylRos
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 6:56 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
<< I'm hoping for an alternative that's priced in the same universe as
reality. >><BR><BR>
The reality is that the Starrett is a square that stays square, and will be so
30 years from now. Plus the ruler is accurate.
You can get a cheaper one, but don't blame anyone but yourself when the project
you make out of the expensive wood becomes tgrach because you saved a few
bucks.
Look, save some dough, get a Record plane and tune it up instead of a Lie
Nielsen; it will be 80-90 per cent of what you want. Get a contractor's saw,
and go slowly, instead of zipping through 8/4 maple; learn how to sharpen a
hand saw and get a century old Disston. But there are some things you don't
compromise with. Honest, this is a high ticket item you wlll never regret.
BTW, just to let you know, Starrett trues up theri equipment with lasers,
strobes, ultra everything. Everyone else trues up their equipment by holdiing
it next to a Starrett. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CW
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:00 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
Unless it is a Mititoyo, Brown and Sharp, Moore and Wright, ect. If you look
outside Home Depot, there are a number of good ones available.
"Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net> wrote in message news:MsR_b.17555
| Quote: |
With Starrett, you know it is accurate. With other brands you have to
ask. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Tom Watson
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:13 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 18:00:53 -0800, "CW" <clinton.magers@comcast.net>
wrote:
| Quote: |
Unless it is a Mititoyo, Brown and Sharp, Moore and Wright, ect.
|
I sometimes wonder if you are posting in anagrams.
cf "Mitutoyo", "Browne", "etc.".
Thomas J. Watson-Cabinetmaker (ret)
Real Email is: tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jay Pique
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:29 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
"J.B. Bobbitt" <jbbobbitt@uhuh.msn.com> wrote:
| Quote: |
FWW published a review of combination squares within the last year or so, I
think.
I just bought myself the Starrett 6" combination for Christmas and I highly
recommend it. The difference compared to a cheap square is considerable.
And there's something about the basic quality of the tool; you can "feel" it
in the heft in hand and the way it feels in use.
Check out prices at The Japan Woodworker (www.japanwoodworker.com); they're
the best I've seen.
Disclaimer: Not affiliated. Claimer: Satisfied repeat customer.
|
Yep, that's a good price all right. Someone had a sale on them for
$61 recently, down from $72 or whatever, but this at $59 and change is
nice. I agree that I'd rather spend the $$ on a nice tool that I can
take pride in and will trust. One question though - can you use this
12" rule as a 12" straightedge?
JP
| Quote: |
-JBB
"Michael Press" <michaelpressNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:e0mn305fstq74tlcqducqbm863c29qoim7@4ax.com...
I've read past discussions in this group, but the threads seemed to
boil down to the Starrett or you're making parallelograms.
I'm hoping for an alternative that's priced in the same universe as
reality. Not sure exactly what price that is...
But for example the Woodcraft-branded combo square with 3 heads
(square, center-finder, protractor) is about $70
(http://tinyurl.com/32rk8). That seems almost reasonable if it's
good'n square, easy to read and use. They've got a much less
substantial-looking no-name one for $25 with all three heads
(http://tinyurl.com/3yxea)
Comments on the Woodcraft or suggestions for another brand?
Thanks,
Michael
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Joe Tylicki
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:52 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
| Quote: |
If I could only have one it would be a 12".
Barry
|
Funny, swmbo said the same thing once.
Seriously, these Starrett posts always give me a sick feeling in my stomach.
My FIL's neighbor (whom we hang with quite often) retired from toolmaking
(the now defunct Zeulske for you Milw boys), and sold his Starret for five
bucks. "What, you were interested in that old thing?"
Joe |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LRod
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:57 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 18:30:15 -0600, "Lowell Holmes" <lholm@hal-pc.org>
wrote:
| Quote: |
There are other caveats to the Starrett besides accuracy. It works smooth in
the handle. It never binds. The graduations on the blade are distinct and
very easy to read.
|
I don't think "caveats" was the word you wanted; probably more like
"advantages." But I was thinking along the same line as you. Another
advantage: the nut that you tighten to lock the blade is captive so it
doesn't fall out.
And the blade...omigod, what a pleasure just to look at that thing and
be able to read all the markings. That's a huge feature for these old
eyes.
It definitely has a good feel to it. Sometimes I like to pick it up
and just slide the blade back and forth because it feels so nice.
Oh, and it's square.
The Starrett website http://www.starrett.com/ (click on "Precision
Tools and Gauges", then "Squares", then "Combination Squares with
square head - Series Nos. 11H, 33H") has all of the possible
permutations of their squares listed. It takes a little while to
figure out, but you can get the head in either forged hardened steel
or cast iron. You can get blades either chromed (satin) or not. You
can get 4", 6", 12", 18", or 24" blades (the 4 and 6" are not
interchangable with the others as the head is smaller). You can get
the markings in fractions or decimal or metric. There're probably one
or two I missed.
The most common seems to be a 12" cast head, satin chrome blade,
graduated in fractions. It's designator is C11H-12-4R.
Another good site to look at them is the Museum of Woodworking:
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Category_Code=TMT&Screen=CTGY
Worth a visit; the square is definitely worth buying. Don't bother
with the extra heads.
- -
LRod
Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
http://www.woodbutcher.net |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LRod
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:36 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 22:29:09 -0500, Jay Pique <JayPique@hotmail.com>
wrote:
| Quote: |
"J.B. Bobbitt" <jbbobbitt@uhuh.msn.com> wrote:
Check out prices at The Japan Woodworker (www.japanwoodworker.com); they're
the best I've seen.
Yep, that's a good price all right. Someone had a sale on them for
$61 recently, down from $72 or whatever, but this at $59 and change is
nice.
|
McFeely's had a sale on them for a couple of months about a year ago.
I got mine there for $49. As I recall, in a fit of buyer's remorse
just after I hit the "Buy" button, I looked around the internet and
found that that price wasn't all that unusual. That was a year ago,
mind you...
| Quote: |
One question though - can you use this 12" rule as a 12" straightedge?
|
Yep. Why not?
- -
LRod
Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
http://www.woodbutcher.net |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LRod
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:53 am Post subject: Re: Good combination square |
|
|
On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 22:29:09 -0500, Jay Pique <JayPique@hotmail.com>
wrote:
| Quote: |
Yep, that's a good price all right. Someone had a sale on them for
$61 recently, down from $72 or whatever, but this at $59 and change is
nice.
|
Just did an internet search on "C11H-12-4R" which is the version I got
from McFeely's last year. If you can't find one for under $55, you
aren't even trying.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/starrett/combin02.html $52.75
http://store.yahoo.com/squaredrive/ms-2784.html $54.95 (McFeeley's)
Have a ball. You'll love this square.
- -
LRod
Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
http://www.woodbutcher.net |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in