DD

David

12/11/2005 1:16 PM

Need brand advice for squares

I just wasted a bunch of gas and time returning a Crown square that
wasn't "square". Two more samples were also out of whack.

I bought that brand because one I got 3 years ago is perfect (12"). I
want one with a thin blade like the Crown. Any suggestions for a
source? I use the Incra Guaranteed Square, but I want a thinner type
for marking wood.

Dave


This topic has 20 replies

b

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

14/11/2005 10:06 PM


>
>[email protected] wrote:
>> On Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:53:08 -0800, Joseph Connors
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>How do you adjust a try square or cabinet makers square? I have a crown
>>>square that is off. I went with an Incra - their great, but I would like
>>>to get the crown up and going. Thanks!
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> if you trust the incra and it is bigger than the other two, use it as
>> a reference square to true the others. if the incra isn't accurate or
>> is smaller in either leg than the others go buy an engineer's square
>> that is big enough. take your crowbar when you go- you'll need it.
>>
>> set up a bright light, a jig to hold a small, fine sharpening stone at
>> 90 degrees to a flad blade and a few hours worth of good music.
>>
>> check the good square to the bad one with the bright light behind.
>> mark the points of contact with sharpie. remove sharpie marks with
>> small fine stone. repeat until the music ends, you fall asleep or you
>> can't get light between the blades anymore.


On Mon, 14 Nov 2005 18:32:46 -0800, Joseph Connors
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Thanks! Thats about what I was figuring on having to do, I was just
>hoping someone had a better (magical) way.



there is one. get out the phone book and start calling tool and die
makers until you find one who will do the job for you. hope your
crowbar is up to it...

tn

"toolguy"

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

12/11/2005 5:39 PM

Hi Dave,

I have a couple of Lee Valley Engineer's Squares. They are not too
expensive and they guarantee tolerances within 0.001" per inch. They
come in a few sizes. I like them a lot. They also have some aluminum
squares with the same tolerances that go as large as 12".

Neil

link:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32601&cat=1,42936,42941

Br

Ba r r y

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

12/11/2005 9:34 PM

On Sat, 12 Nov 2005 13:16:46 -0800, David <[email protected]> wrote:

>I bought that brand because one I got 3 years ago is perfect (12"). I
>want one with a thin blade like the Crown. Any suggestions for a
>source? I use the Incra Guaranteed Square, but I want a thinner type
>for marking wood.

My most used squares, in order:

Starrett 6" combo
Lee Valley Saddle
Lee Valley 4" double
Starrett 12" combo

I use them with pencils and striking knives.

Barry

GG

"George"

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

12/11/2005 4:24 PM


"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I just wasted a bunch of gas and time returning a Crown square that wasn't
>"square". Two more samples were also out of whack.
>
> I bought that brand because one I got 3 years ago is perfect (12"). I
> want one with a thin blade like the Crown. Any suggestions for a source?
> I use the Incra Guaranteed Square, but I want a thinner type for marking
> wood.
>

Only thing that counts is square. Brand does not make them that way. Go
the Borg, get a flat edge to put them against and a light to squint into and
start blade to blade tests to find the one that is, and buy it.

Then don't drop it.

Aa

"AAvK"

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

13/11/2005 5:23 AM


> Thanks Neil, that may be the ticket, and only $14 for the 6". I paid
> $19 for the one I got yesterday that was out by more than a mm in 6 inches.
>
> Dave


I have seen a LOT of negativity about Crown tools in this NG, believe me.
The blade of that square you bought should, as well, be covered with some
kinda black dry gunk, rather than truly blued hard spring steel. For your
brass diamonds however, Joseph Marples will do the trick.

--
Alex - "newbie_neander" woodworker
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

13/11/2005 1:05 AM


"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I just wasted a bunch of gas and time returning a Crown square that wasn't
>"square". Two more samples were also out of whack.
>
> I bought that brand because one I got 3 years ago is perfect (12"). I
> want one with a thin blade like the Crown. Any suggestions for a source?
> I use the Incra Guaranteed Square, but I want a thinner type for marking
> wood.
>
> Dave


I do not know if this site qualifies for what you are looking for but these
tools ate very high quality and EXPENSIVE. They have about 13 squares.
That said, if you have not been to this site it will be fun for you to look
at. All are precision tools including the new $1500 hand planes.
I own one of their first commerative tools, a Squivel.

http://www.bridgecitytools.com/pages_framework/frameset_stage.asp?primary=0&secondary=0&tertiary=-1

DD

David

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

13/11/2005 4:39 PM

Australopithecus scobis wrote:

> On Sun, 13 Nov 2005 10:11:30 -0800, Enoch Root wrote:
>
>
>>Save yourself the money and true your current square yourself. You may
>>not be able to get it to within 0.00063, but you should be able to get
>>it pretty close (with a hammer.)
>
>
> I agree with the sentiment, but point out that OP seems to be using a
> cabinetmaker's, rather than a carpenter's square. Wood stock and steel
> blade, or similar. I have trued such a square with an Incra as reference.
> It is far more tedious than truing a carpenter's square.

exactly. I was wondering what they were thinking when they suggested I
take a hammer to a Crown style (brass, wood and steel) square. Of
course you can adjust an all aluminum or steel one; I've done that
myself with a framing square.

Dave

LH

Lew Hodgett

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

13/11/2005 12:31 AM

"David" wrote:

>I just wasted a bunch of gas and time returning a Crown square that wasn't
>"square". Two more samples were also out of whack.
>
>I bought that brand because one I got 3 years ago is perfect (12"). I
>want one with a thin blade like the Crown. Any suggestions for a source?
>I use the Incra Guaranteed Square, but I want a thinner type for marking
>wood.


The square hasn't been invented that doesn't require a little
"adjustment" from time to time.

A ball peen hammer and a center punch are the tools of the "adjustment"
trade.

Lew

DD

David

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

12/11/2005 5:58 PM

toolguy wrote:

> Hi Dave,
>
> I have a couple of Lee Valley Engineer's Squares. They are not too
> expensive and they guarantee tolerances within 0.001" per inch. They
> come in a few sizes. I like them a lot. They also have some aluminum
> squares with the same tolerances that go as large as 12".
>
> Neil
>
> link:
> http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32601&cat=1,42936,42941
>
Thanks Neil, that may be the ticket, and only $14 for the 6". I paid
$19 for the one I got yesterday that was out by more than a mm in 6 inches.

Dave

DD

David

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

12/11/2005 1:32 PM

George wrote:

> "David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>I just wasted a bunch of gas and time returning a Crown square that wasn't
>>"square". Two more samples were also out of whack.
>>
>>I bought that brand because one I got 3 years ago is perfect (12"). I
>>want one with a thin blade like the Crown. Any suggestions for a source?
>>I use the Incra Guaranteed Square, but I want a thinner type for marking
>>wood.
>>
>
>
> Only thing that counts is square. Brand does not make them that way. Go
> the Borg, get a flat edge to put them against and a light to squint into and
> start blade to blade tests to find the one that is, and buy it.
>
> Then don't drop it.
>
>
I looked at them today (at HD), but they don't carry anything similar in
style to the Crown. I'm looking for the same style as the Crown. Sorry
I didn't make that clear.

Dave

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

13/11/2005 12:47 AM


"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> I saw Norm using square similar in design to the Crown but it had 3 brass
> diamonds inlaid. Anyone know the brand?
>
> Dave

If you saw Norm use it LRod should know which one.

MB

Mike Berger

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

14/11/2005 11:49 AM

Three Diamonds? That's mitsubishi!

David wrote:

> I saw Norm using square similar in design to the Crown but it had 3
> brass diamonds inlaid. Anyone know the brand?
>
> Dave

MB

Mike Berger

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

14/11/2005 11:50 AM

The Starretts will be perfect right out of the box.
And pricy. I like them too.

Ba r r y wrote:
> On Sat, 12 Nov 2005 13:16:46 -0800, David <[email protected]> wrote:

> My most used squares, in order:
>
> Starrett 6" combo
> Lee Valley Saddle
> Lee Valley 4" double
> Starrett 12" combo

DD

David

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

12/11/2005 5:28 PM

Leon wrote:

> "David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>I just wasted a bunch of gas and time returning a Crown square that wasn't
>>"square". Two more samples were also out of whack.
>>
>>I bought that brand because one I got 3 years ago is perfect (12"). I
>>want one with a thin blade like the Crown. Any suggestions for a source?
>>I use the Incra Guaranteed Square, but I want a thinner type for marking
>>wood.
>>
>>Dave
>
>
>
> I do not know if this site qualifies for what you are looking for but these
> tools ate very high quality and EXPENSIVE. They have about 13 squares.
> That said, if you have not been to this site it will be fun for you to look
> at. All are precision tools including the new $1500 hand planes.
> I own one of their first commerative tools, a Squivel.
>
> http://www.bridgecitytools.com/pages_framework/frameset_stage.asp?primary=0&secondary=0&tertiary=-1
>
>
Thanks for the link, Leon.

That's some pricey stuff--$100 marking knives...$575 planes...
(And here I thought LN was expensive.)

dave

JC

Joseph Connors

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

14/11/2005 6:32 PM

Thanks! Thats about what I was figuring on having to do, I was just
hoping someone had a better (magical) way.




[email protected] wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:53:08 -0800, Joseph Connors
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>How do you adjust a try square or cabinet makers square? I have a crown
>>square that is off. I went with an Incra - their great, but I would like
>>to get the crown up and going. Thanks!
>>
>
>
>
> if you trust the incra and it is bigger than the other two, use it as
> a reference square to true the others. if the incra isn't accurate or
> is smaller in either leg than the others go buy an engineer's square
> that is big enough. take your crowbar when you go- you'll need it.
>
> set up a bright light, a jig to hold a small, fine sharpening stone at
> 90 degrees to a flad blade and a few hours worth of good music.
>
> check the good square to the bad one with the bright light behind.
> mark the points of contact with sharpie. remove sharpie marks with
> small fine stone. repeat until the music ends, you fall asleep or you
> can't get light between the blades anymore.

--
Joseph Connors
The New Golden Rule:
Those with the gold, make the rules!

ER

Enoch Root

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

13/11/2005 10:11 AM

David wrote:
> toolguy wrote:

>> link:
>> http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32601&cat=1,42936,42941
>>
> Thanks Neil, that may be the ticket, and only $14 for the 6". I paid
> $19 for the one I got yesterday that was out by more than a mm in 6 inches.

Save yourself the money and true your current square yourself. You may
not be able to get it to within 0.00063, but you should be able to get
it pretty close (with a hammer.)

er
--

b

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

14/11/2005 3:12 PM

On Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:53:08 -0800, Joseph Connors
<[email protected]> wrote:

>How do you adjust a try square or cabinet makers square? I have a crown
>square that is off. I went with an Incra - their great, but I would like
>to get the crown up and going. Thanks!
>


if you trust the incra and it is bigger than the other two, use it as
a reference square to true the others. if the incra isn't accurate or
is smaller in either leg than the others go buy an engineer's square
that is big enough. take your crowbar when you go- you'll need it.

set up a bright light, a jig to hold a small, fine sharpening stone at
90 degrees to a flad blade and a few hours worth of good music.

check the good square to the bad one with the bright light behind.
mark the points of contact with sharpie. remove sharpie marks with
small fine stone. repeat until the music ends, you fall asleep or you
can't get light between the blades anymore.

As

Australopithecus scobis

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

13/11/2005 6:35 PM

On Sun, 13 Nov 2005 10:11:30 -0800, Enoch Root wrote:

> Save yourself the money and true your current square yourself. You may
> not be able to get it to within 0.00063, but you should be able to get
> it pretty close (with a hammer.)

I agree with the sentiment, but point out that OP seems to be using a
cabinetmaker's, rather than a carpenter's square. Wood stock and steel
blade, or similar. I have trued such a square with an Incra as reference.
It is far more tedious than truing a carpenter's square.

JC

Joseph Connors

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

14/11/2005 10:53 AM

How do you adjust a try square or cabinet makers square? I have a crown
square that is off. I went with an Incra - their great, but I would like
to get the crown up and going. Thanks!



Australopithecus scobis wrote:
> On Sun, 13 Nov 2005 10:11:30 -0800, Enoch Root wrote:
>
>
>>Save yourself the money and true your current square yourself. You may
>>not be able to get it to within 0.00063, but you should be able to get
>>it pretty close (with a hammer.)
>
>
> I agree with the sentiment, but point out that OP seems to be using a
> cabinetmaker's, rather than a carpenter's square. Wood stock and steel
> blade, or similar. I have trued such a square with an Incra as reference.
> It is far more tedious than truing a carpenter's square.

--
Joseph Connors
The New Golden Rule:
Those with the gold, make the rules!

DD

David

in reply to David on 12/11/2005 1:16 PM

12/11/2005 4:40 PM

Lew Hodgett wrote:

> "David" wrote:
>
>> I just wasted a bunch of gas and time returning a Crown square that
>> wasn't "square". Two more samples were also out of whack.
>>
>> I bought that brand because one I got 3 years ago is perfect (12"). I
>> want one with a thin blade like the Crown. Any suggestions for a
>> source? I use the Incra Guaranteed Square, but I want a thinner type
>> for marking wood.
>
>
>
> The square hasn't been invented that doesn't require a little
> "adjustment" from time to time.
>
> A ball peen hammer and a center punch are the tools of the "adjustment"
> trade.
>
> Lew
:) I'm not taking a ball peen hammer to my Guaranteed Square! I've had
it for several years and it still is "right on". So is my 12" Crown.

I saw Norm using square similar in design to the Crown but it had 3
brass diamonds inlaid. Anyone know the brand?

Dave


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