Get Blem Squares Here: lddy.no/fdk9 Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store* bit.ly/KMWstore20 Starrett 6” Square: amzn.to/2PCeMxr Starrett 12” Square 4 Piece Kit: amzn.to/2vwS2bk Veritas Layout Square: bit.ly/2VwJwnv
I'm on my third attempt at a straight 8' saw guide. Resorted to U-shaped aluminum on a factory edge of bb ply this go-round and STILL not there. Slight bow in it after assembly. Sigh. I might start chopping up angle iron from a bed frame I found. Got any videos on making due? If I get one thing straight, all else will follow.
Another tip is that when adjusting your squares if you make it a habit to hold nearest to the blade during the slide motion they'll stay square longer, further away from the blade technically should cause a microscopic amount of racking tension combined with the sliding motion and rub a tiny bit harder on one adjustment post than the other, a trick I use on my Empire square that I have to tune once a year, maybe I wouldn't have to be as anal if I had an expensive one.
I like Harbor Freight squares, perfect for checking 89 and 91ish degree angles, and the built in bubble level is perfect for making sure you have some slope in a concrete form for proper drainage.
Fom the rare few times I've had to do a little bit of concrete patchwork around the home, it seems it would be brutal on many measuring tools, so good enough yet cheap to replace is the way to.
Dude. I just got blown up by some folks for saying that the Empires and other lower end squares are not always accurate, that they don't stay that way after tuning them, and that it is wise to upgrade, and here you are, 102 comments in and have only ONE person really hating. I'm starting to think that I'm just a magnet. HA! Great video as always!
@@InspireWoodcraft not sure if you are joking but I think CementRoots is saying that your videos came out with the PEC blem info and a couple days later katz-moses not only has a pile of them but an affiliate link. and by checking the cross-posted items on ebay revisions you can see stock...they have sold more in two days since this video then the last 2 years. so the, ahem, katz is out of the bag and these will either be far less available or far more expensive soon.
Scott Martin Thanks for the clarification. I see what you mean now. I really didn’t understand. If that’s the case, it would stink for my viewers. Heck I’m not even getting the affiliate kickback! Haha
@@InspireWoodcraft no prob man, least I could do, I love your videos! Anyways maybe I should back it up and not start a YT beef (lol). So this video came out 2 days after your second one which is pretty fast unless he got stuff overnighted, so maybe it was in the works. You get a ton of views too so I'm sure you are helping them suckers sell, you should try to get an affiliate link too. Taylor Tools sells on eBay and their own site, and if you look at the item revision log on eBay you can see when the stock is updated when something sells on TayTools.com (presumably). Virtually every blem tool started selling like hotcakes on March the 1st, the date of this video. Not sure how many tools PEC messes up, but let's hope it is a lot ;D I thank both of you guys for putting me on to these - everyone deserves superior accuracy at a fair price. And made in USA is even better
My wife and I are building a B class camper van. I used this build of the van to buy several tools I think I will need to accomplish the task. Knowing absolutely nothing about wood working I have turned to TH-cam for answers. You are a one stop shop for knowledge. Your presentation and delivery are comprehensive to the point I am actually learning enough to understand how all this stuff works. Thanks for lessons well done!
Great video. Before watching this, I thought I needed an Igaging or Woodpeckers little square, setup blocks, and all these other fancy do-dads, but by using a combination square for all these things and more, it's already paid for itself. Thank you for the first person to give an honest and informed opinion about squares. So far I've watched a half dozen videos that mostly wasted my time.
I have a 2 double squares from PEC and Starret (6” and 4”) and a 12” Starret combination square. I use the Starret for machine setups and the double squares for layout and joinery. Good ones help with precision and I don’t regret spending the money on good squares.
Really wish I saw this before today. I just bought an empire 6" combo. When I got home from work I did some playing around with it and my veritas layout square. Over 4.75" it is out maybe 1/32 of an inch. That is 0.00657. For most of my needs that is sufficient. There is also a slight high spot in the middle of the one side, that I could hone out with my wet stones, but again, it is sufficient. Especially since I will be using this to mostly marking out screw locations near the edges/ends of boards. I am definitely going to go get a BLEM one from the link though. PS from my experience the Empire stuff is not so much for fine woodworking, but more for general carpentry, ie building a deck or a house. I have seen precision doing that to the nearest 1/4" or if you are lucky 1/8"
Man I could kiss you! The info on blem squares is an absolute game changer. I have only been woodworking for a couple of years now, and as of late, I have become obsessed with the facts that cheap squares hurt more than help. I have recently purchased a 6 inch PEC square for full price, and it has honestly become one of my most prized possessions in my shop. Since getting it, I have been determined to purchase a 6 and 12 combo square from PEC, but couldn't bring myself to spend 90 bucks on a 6 inch combo square. I just purchased the 6 inch double blem square by PEC from the site in your link. 35 dollars to my door. That's with shipping and handling. It is one in the morning and I was crouched in my bedroom using the light from my computer to enter my card information because I absolutely don't want to waste another second without such a great tool at an amazing price. This might have been the most helpful video of my woodworking career yet, because it makes these high precision tools, which help me be a better woodworker, much more accessible. Thank you for sharing this link. If you can get a kickback from Taylor Tools from me ordering with your code or something, please let me know because I will be ordering the 12 inch combo very soon. Thank you for sharing this awesome secret!
Just picked up a Pec Blem 6 inch double square and a 12 inch combo square with free center finder for about $64. I couldn't be happier. Over the years I just couldn't get myself to pay so much for a Starrett. Good looking out. I'm a very happy woodworker today. Thanks again!
thank you Katz. oh i got the starrett combo set back in the 70s yes it cost an arm and a leg about 58$ .it still works great . the center finder will work as a saddle square too.
Excellent timing. I was debating ordering a set of Woodpecker's one-time combination/ double square set for $250+. They are doing their production run and tonight is the last night they have the ordering open. Glad I didn't because I have a 4pc. combination PEC at work I really like but was having a hard time justifying buying a second set at full retail price especially with the additional features included in the Woodpeckers. Ended up ordering a blemished 4pc. combination and 6" double for $80. Plus it came with free 7pc. bradpoint drill bit set and free shipping. Thanks for the tip Jonathan! Love your channel. Keep up the great work!
Wow, such a well put video about all types of squares and there uses, great tips, great way of not keeping it boring. Your an amazing woodworker… thank you for the tips and knowledge.. best wishes
I bought a machinist square at Menards and used it to set up all my tools. I didn't realize it wasn't actually square and made my projects hell for months!
I have at _least_ a dozen assorted squares including three 12 inch combination sets (a Starrett, a Mitutoyo and a cheap Chinese) two small combination squares (an Empire which is surprisingly good for what I paid for it, and a cheap one) plus three engineers squares, a precision square (which I bought from Wish and wished I hadn't because it is shite) various framing squares, a big woodworking square, four magnetic welding squares, pairs of 1-2-3 and 25-50-75 blocks which count as squares and are incredibly useful, and I must have forgotten about others like the T-square and plastic tech drawing square. These were collected over 40 years as a toolmaker, and 15 years of retirement now loving working with wood. I loved the tip about using the grove in the combination square as a pencil notch. That was genius and something you wonder how I never thought of it years ago. A tip I would like to seen is how not to lose the retain nut from combination sets. In my case its from the protractor, and thinking about it, I could easily make one, but I am restricted to my home shop during lockdown - which our PM has just told us is now likely to extend well beyond the initial four weeks. We can't even order in tools as they are not delivering that sort of thing - I must have half a dozen items stuck at the border with absolutely no idea when they will be released. It could be months! Are you allowed to mail out your stuff right now, and if yes, does that include international (New Zealand in my case)? Anyway Jonathan... Thanks for keeping us entertained and informed.
I've been extremely interested in wood working for ages now. Finally moving to a space where I can start, watching your videos have been great and really exasperated my love for the craft. Thank you for all the information
I still use a Lufkin 18” combo square that my dad used in the 50’s. He worked in a factory and scratched his initials in the side. Excellent square. Use it all the time.
My dad too was a machinist for 60 years and left me his lufkin combo set including a 24” rule that is dead on square to this day. Quality tools never go out of style.
Thanks for the tips on quality measure/mark tools, went over to Taylor (yes, I used your link) and got a combo square, a digital level, angle incronometer, misc. supplies, and earned a free set of decent brad-point bits. Though my work is still @ the home carpenter level, I hope to step it up and you hipped me to some great deals on the kind of accurate tools one needs to up their game. Truly accurate tools make the difference between close enough for jazz (I can joke like that 'cause I'm a musician) and close enough for a woodworker. Thanks again!
I got what I thought was a good combo square and have been using for a while. Was making a table saw sled and couldn't figure out why it was off compared to my framing square. Did the rule two lines check, was off by about 3mm over 200mm!! It wasn't a cheap one either, but I should have checked first
Honestly, when I began live as a mechanical designer, first thing I bought myself was a set of squares, a set of micrometers, steel scales and was talked out of buying a dial caliper by the guy at the store. He told me, get a Vernier Caliper and you will have it all your life, because no one will steal it. He was totally right, and once you get use to using it it's no slower to use than a dial caliper. I have actually walked off and left my calipers out on a machine, then went back and they were still there and they had been moved. picked up, looked at and put back down. Over the years guys have walked over and looked them over and asked why I haven't gotten a "good set" of calipers. I'd tell them, "Those ARE great calipers". I still have them.
@@OvertravelX Back in my machinist and mechanical engineer life I started with Mitutoyo dial calipers and mics. Inspecting sintered tungsten parts destroyed my steel dial sets so I invested in a 12" digital set with carbide jaw inserts: cost me $425 back in 1996... but I still have and use that set. I later picked up a set of 6" Etalon dial calipers out of curiosity, I like them alot too.
Great video as always! I think those two people are just jealous of your dovetail skills! Keep up the great work. On a side note.....I've been using your dovetail jig like crazy lately and it's the best jig for dovetails by far...highly recommend it!!!
Thanks KM! I just found the great accuracy of using a marking knife along with a good square! I'd add one to your list of ways to use them: 1,000,722 - Set the marking knife into the dimension you want and then slide the handle of the square to the knife. Accurate and you can get it down to the 64th. Also found a great marking knife: Stanley # 10-040 ... inexpensive and folds for safety in your apron.
Thank you for all of your informational videos. I am a beginner woodworker and am soaking up all the knowledge I can. I just ordered a PEC combo square and two 24” rulers. Thank you for the blem link.
5:56 this is the best. I see people doing this all the time and I always struggled with it. I thought it was just a lack of experience - in a way I guess it is.
You voiced down aluminum squares as a carpenter's 24 X16. But they out there. They may not be square but can be adjusted using a hammer and cold chisel. If the internal is acute (less than 90) hammer the interior with the chisel a bit and the angle will open. If the interior angle is (greater than 90) hammer the exterior corner with the chisel and it will begin to approach 90. Of course a reliable square template is need and may be factory cut sheet of plywood.
I bought an iGaging base off of Amazon reviews... it was definitely NOT square... almost a full 1/16 off. It’s an easy fix though if you know how to sand/polish the feet. After doing that I got it dialed right in... now that I know about the blemished squares I would steer anyone on a budget in that direction over iGaging
I realize this is a year old, but I was looking for ways to up my game, Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a very articulate manner. I always enjoy watching your video, but I always wind up spending money buying more tools, btw, love the flip stop.
It's important that most cheap squares do not have a hardened ruler, so using a marking knife wears the edge very quickly. They are OK for a pencil only.
Great information, very helpful. I have been struggling trying to find a square square, so I decided to buy a blemished one from the link provided. I got it a couple of days ago and I'm blown away by how accurate they are, and so affordable! Thanks for the tip, keep'em coming
Also after you set your check lines next to each other, you need to sight them, which means you bring your eye down to the board level look down the lines Daniel see if they're parallel or not you cannot tell from above, also it'd be very important tell your viewers how to actually adjust the blades in these squares you don't just loosen the nut inside the scale because that will wear the gauge pads that will make your Square out of alignment. When adjusting your scale to a specific dimension you loosen the nut then push the upward does forcing the scale away from the gauge pads then you move the scale to the location your desire. When you're close to the mark play me very close then you can release the nut I love to Spring to take over that make your adjustment or tighten your scale down also daylight lubricating oil wiped on the scale periodically it's not done daily will keep your investment well in tune and square is released from the factory in the first place, now go use your combination Square.,
My personal advice: buy whatever square you can afford; they are a must. If you can afford one of those nice squares, by all means, get one. But for people like me (just out of college, newly wed, living in a 1 bedroom apartment) a cheap combo square is better than no square. I have been trying to wood work as much as I can and I am amazed at how much better I have gotten with the aid of an Ace Hardware combo square. I thought I was doing okay with a small measuring tape and pair of digital calipers, but I was sorely mistaken.
While the grove in the beam of an adjustable square can be used to mark a line that way,, make no mistake about the fact that you can be off your intended mark if you do it that way! If your marking point is able to go under the blade past the end edge it will be under marked as easily as you can over mark by placing your marking pencil or pen to far from the edge! That grove is there so that the knurled knob in the head of the square can tighten the clamp inside the head down on the blade when setting the square and not for the purpose of making a mark.
Very helpful. Could not find anything like this at the big box stores. Just ordered my "blems". Hope you're getting some affiliate love on that link, as I wouldn't have known about it without this video.
Awesome video, thanks for the hook up on the boem squares, been wanting to buy a good quality square but was hesitant to shell out the $100 for a quality tool. Have my PEC 6" square on the way now for only $30.
Good information. When buying tools, I've learned that eventually I forget the purchase price, but I curse every time I use an inferior tool. Thumbs up to crush a troll.
I just bought one on China express, cast iron/ steel (no alu) handle and stainless steel ruler. The finish is no where near Starret ofc. But this thing is nicer than most of the big brand ones.. for like 12,- instead of 300,- for the same Starret.
small correction. the depth of your mortise is the MAXIMUM depth of your tenon. leaving a small gap at the bottom of a tight fitting mortise is FULLY acceptable. If you aim to cut the tenon just a bit short, you'll often save yourself some time shaving it to fit fully.
The ONLY thing to ever buy from Festool are tools that they still hold the exclusive patent to, like the Domino. Their chokehold on tracksaws is Over for those who know. Makita puts out a Better product for a few hundred bucks less.
Jonathan, you are right, I have bought the machinist squares from Amazon for 8 bucks and had to return them because they were not square. I paid more for PEC, Moore and Wright and those were great. What do you need a double square? Can’t you just use a small combination square? I use a 4 and 6 inch machinist and 6 and 12 inch combination. Isn’t that enough? I would like to get the compass though. BTW, I say again, I love your videos. Keep making them. Thanks.
Thanks bud. Everyone has different work flow. I like the t-squares as opposed to the machinist squares because they do the same thing but also so much more.
Using the tick mark you still could be 10,000 off depending on the width of the tick mark in the placement of the knife what's in that tick mark. So exactly is a broad term it all depends on the skill of the user of the tool and using the tool correctly.
Jonathan, than you for the tips. I’m just getting into fine woodworking - vice construction level building. I ordered a 12 inch combination square and 2 sizes of T-Square and they came today. Very happy with them - fantastic quality, very accurate, and easy to read. I took great pleasure in throwing my crappy old rusty ruler can’t read the damn thing not quite square combo square in the trash. I have to say Taylor Toolworks is a quality outfit - fast shipping and great communication. Thanks for pointing me in their direction. This won’t be my last purchase through them.
I have the same question. However while I agree that many of these tools are beyond reliable repair, I have a number of quality older tools that simply need cleaning up so the etchings can be easier to read. Can they be buffed, or some sort of solvent be applied?
@@katzmosestools I checked Dad's old squares and they are the good style, just some discoloration on the blades. But I ordered a 4" and a 6" blew blade anyway.
Huh. I'm an engineer and never knew what the square tolerance units were. The day I got my Rockler square I thought "how can something be square to 0.0015in? What does being square to done measurement even mean?" Shouldn't it be an angle? Well, whattya know, it's error/12in. Got it!
Get Blem Squares Here: lddy.no/fdk9
Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store* bit.ly/KMWstore20
Starrett 6” Square: amzn.to/2PCeMxr
Starrett 12” Square 4 Piece Kit: amzn.to/2vwS2bk
Veritas Layout Square: bit.ly/2VwJwnv
Thank you
I'm on my third attempt at a straight 8' saw guide. Resorted to U-shaped aluminum on a factory edge of bb ply this go-round and STILL not there. Slight bow in it after assembly. Sigh. I might start chopping up angle iron from a bed frame I found. Got any videos on making due? If I get one thing straight, all else will follow.
Try a steel stud
@@Robyrob7771 thank you
Another tip is that when adjusting your squares if you make it a habit to hold nearest to the blade during the slide motion they'll stay square longer, further away from the blade technically should cause a microscopic amount of racking tension combined with the sliding motion and rub a tiny bit harder on one adjustment post than the other, a trick I use on my Empire square that I have to tune once a year, maybe I wouldn't have to be as anal if I had an expensive one.
I like Harbor Freight squares, perfect for checking 89 and 91ish degree angles, and the built in bubble level is perfect for making sure you have some slope in a concrete form for proper drainage.
Fom the rare few times I've had to do a little bit of concrete patchwork around the home, it seems it would be brutal on many measuring tools, so good enough yet cheap to replace is the way to.
That’s not a bug, that’s a feature!
Hahahahahahaha so true!
Best comment
That is a plus or minus a degree auto add -on feature to a Harbor Freight squares.... no need worries.
Dude. I just got blown up by some folks for saying that the Empires and other lower end squares are not always accurate, that they don't stay that way after tuning them, and that it is wise to upgrade, and here you are, 102 comments in and have only ONE person really hating. I'm starting to think that I'm just a magnet. HA! Great video as always!
CementRoots Sorry man I’m not really sure what you’re talking about.
@@InspireWoodcraft not sure if you are joking but I think CementRoots is saying that your videos came out with the PEC blem info and a couple days later katz-moses not only has a pile of them but an affiliate link. and by checking the cross-posted items on ebay revisions you can see stock...they have sold more in two days since this video then the last 2 years. so the, ahem, katz is out of the bag and these will either be far less available or far more expensive soon.
Scott Martin Thanks for the clarification. I see what you mean now. I really didn’t understand. If that’s the case, it would stink for my viewers. Heck I’m not even getting the affiliate kickback! Haha
@@InspireWoodcraft no prob man, least I could do, I love your videos! Anyways maybe I should back it up and not start a YT beef (lol). So this video came out 2 days after your second one which is pretty fast unless he got stuff overnighted, so maybe it was in the works. You get a ton of views too so I'm sure you are helping them suckers sell, you should try to get an affiliate link too. Taylor Tools sells on eBay and their own site, and if you look at the item revision log on eBay you can see when the stock is updated when something sells on TayTools.com (presumably). Virtually every blem tool started selling like hotcakes on March the 1st, the date of this video. Not sure how many tools PEC messes up, but let's hope it is a lot ;D
I thank both of you guys for putting me on to these - everyone deserves superior accuracy at a fair price. And made in USA is even better
My wife and I are building a B class camper van. I used this build of the van to buy several tools I think I will need to accomplish the task. Knowing absolutely nothing about wood working I have turned to TH-cam for answers. You are a one stop shop for knowledge. Your presentation and delivery are comprehensive to the point I am actually learning enough to understand how all this stuff works.
Thanks for lessons well done!
Appreciate the “Blem” link. Affordable quality. Yeah!
Great video. Before watching this, I thought I needed an Igaging or Woodpeckers little square, setup blocks, and all these other fancy do-dads, but by using a combination square for all these things and more, it's already paid for itself. Thank you for the first person to give an honest and informed opinion about squares. So far I've watched a half dozen videos that mostly wasted my time.
I have a 2 double squares from PEC and Starret (6” and 4”) and a 12” Starret combination square. I use the Starret for machine setups and the double squares for layout and joinery. Good ones help with precision and I don’t regret spending the money on good squares.
Really wish I saw this before today. I just bought an empire 6" combo.
When I got home from work I did some playing around with it and my veritas layout square. Over 4.75" it is out maybe 1/32 of an inch. That is 0.00657. For most of my needs that is sufficient. There is also a slight high spot in the middle of the one side, that I could hone out with my wet stones, but again, it is sufficient. Especially since I will be using this to mostly marking out screw locations near the edges/ends of boards.
I am definitely going to go get a BLEM one from the link though.
PS from my experience the Empire stuff is not so much for fine woodworking, but more for general carpentry, ie building a deck or a house. I have seen precision doing that to the nearest 1/4" or if you are lucky 1/8"
The opening two minutes was so extra! "We're gonna Crush the knowledge gap!" "knock out" "bang through those" hehe. Love your energy!
Yeah, his positive energy/attitude is just awesome. He's a natural teacher. Wish I'd had him for shop in jr. high.
Not once have I ever thought about looking on TH-cam for how to use a square or the many uses for them. Love your videos
Man I could kiss you! The info on blem squares is an absolute game changer. I have only been woodworking for a couple of years now, and as of late, I have become obsessed with the facts that cheap squares hurt more than help. I have recently purchased a 6 inch PEC square for full price, and it has honestly become one of my most prized possessions in my shop. Since getting it, I have been determined to purchase a 6 and 12 combo square from PEC, but couldn't bring myself to spend 90 bucks on a 6 inch combo square. I just purchased the 6 inch double blem square by PEC from the site in your link. 35 dollars to my door. That's with shipping and handling. It is one in the morning and I was crouched in my bedroom using the light from my computer to enter my card information because I absolutely don't want to waste another second without such a great tool at an amazing price. This might have been the most helpful video of my woodworking career yet, because it makes these high precision tools, which help me be a better woodworker, much more accessible. Thank you for sharing this link. If you can get a kickback from Taylor Tools from me ordering with your code or something, please let me know because I will be ordering the 12 inch combo very soon. Thank you for sharing this awesome secret!
By far the most useful video I've seen on Squares. You broadened my horizon of how to use the combo squares my dad and grandpa left me
Just picked up a Pec Blem 6 inch double square and a 12 inch combo square with free center finder for about $64. I couldn't be happier. Over the years I just couldn't get myself to pay so much for a Starrett. Good looking out. I'm a very happy woodworker today. Thanks again!
Another thing a good square gives you is confidence 👍😊
I have learned so much today from you. Mind blown. You have motivated a new wood worker in the best way. Thank you so much. You rock...
Hahaha, I wish I could show you what my dad's old combo square looks like...perfect for drawing waves in a uniform manner.
I agree, combo square is the jam for everything
Great video Jonathan I’m in the hospital again but watching your videos makes me feel like I’m in the shop, and I can’t wait to get back in there.
Fell better bud!
You sir are the wood shop teacher I never had. Thank you for this video!
thank you Katz. oh i got the starrett combo set back in the 70s yes it cost an arm and a leg about 58$ .it still works great . the center finder will work as a saddle square too.
Thanks much for this tip.
Excellent timing. I was debating ordering a set of Woodpecker's one-time combination/ double square set for $250+. They are doing their production run and tonight is the last night they have the ordering open. Glad I didn't because I have a 4pc. combination PEC at work I really like but was having a hard time justifying buying a second set at full retail price especially with the additional features included in the Woodpeckers. Ended up ordering a blemished 4pc. combination and 6" double for $80. Plus it came with free 7pc. bradpoint drill bit set and free shipping. Thanks for the tip Jonathan! Love your channel. Keep up the great work!
Wow, such a well put video about all types of squares and there uses, great tips, great way of not keeping it boring. Your an amazing woodworker… thank you for the tips and knowledge.. best wishes
I bought a machinist square at Menards and used it to set up all my tools. I didn't realize it wasn't actually square and made my projects hell for months!
I have at _least_ a dozen assorted squares including three 12 inch combination sets (a Starrett, a Mitutoyo and a cheap Chinese) two small combination squares (an Empire which is surprisingly good for what I paid for it, and a cheap one) plus three engineers squares, a precision square (which I bought from Wish and wished I hadn't because it is shite) various framing squares, a big woodworking square, four magnetic welding squares, pairs of 1-2-3 and 25-50-75 blocks which count as squares and are incredibly useful, and I must have forgotten about others like the T-square and plastic tech drawing square. These were collected over 40 years as a toolmaker, and 15 years of retirement now loving working with wood.
I loved the tip about using the grove in the combination square as a pencil notch. That was genius and something you wonder how I never thought of it years ago. A tip I would like to seen is how not to lose the retain nut from combination sets. In my case its from the protractor, and thinking about it, I could easily make one, but I am restricted to my home shop during lockdown - which our PM has just told us is now likely to extend well beyond the initial four weeks. We can't even order in tools as they are not delivering that sort of thing - I must have half a dozen items stuck at the border with absolutely no idea when they will be released. It could be months! Are you allowed to mail out your stuff right now, and if yes, does that include international (New Zealand in my case)?
Anyway Jonathan... Thanks for keeping us entertained and informed.
Love my 6" blem PEC. The satin finish is amazing to use and eliminates glare. 👍
I've been extremely interested in wood working for ages now. Finally moving to a space where I can start, watching your videos have been great and really exasperated my love for the craft. Thank you for all the information
Great video and great advice! It’s expensive to go cheap on tools, a good tools lasts a lifetime
I still use a Lufkin 18” combo square that my dad used in the 50’s. He worked in a factory and scratched his initials in the side. Excellent square. Use it all the time.
My dad too was a machinist for 60 years and left me his lufkin combo set including a 24” rule that is dead on square to this day. Quality tools never go out of style.
Thanks for the tips on quality measure/mark tools, went over to Taylor (yes, I used your link) and got a combo square, a digital level, angle incronometer, misc. supplies, and earned a free set of decent brad-point bits. Though my work is still @ the home carpenter level, I hope to step it up and you hipped me to some great deals on the kind of accurate tools one needs to up their game. Truly accurate tools make the difference between close enough for jazz (I can joke like that 'cause I'm a musician) and close enough for a woodworker. Thanks again!
Very informative - I like that you showed how they're used in other ways around the shop, not just for measuring.
Thank you my friend!
I got what I thought was a good combo square and have been using for a while. Was making a table saw sled and couldn't figure out why it was off compared to my framing square. Did the rule two lines check, was off by about 3mm over 200mm!! It wasn't a cheap one either, but I should have checked first
Honestly, when I began live as a mechanical designer, first thing I bought myself was a set of squares, a set of micrometers, steel scales and was talked out of buying a dial caliper by the guy at the store. He told me, get a Vernier Caliper and you will have it all your life, because no one will steal it. He was totally right, and once you get use to using it it's no slower to use than a dial caliper.
I have actually walked off and left my calipers out on a machine, then went back and they were still there and they had been moved. picked up, looked at and put back down.
Over the years guys have walked over and looked them over and asked why I haven't gotten a "good set" of calipers. I'd tell them, "Those ARE great calipers". I still have them.
I heart my Mitutoyo.
@@OvertravelX
Back in my machinist and mechanical engineer life I started with Mitutoyo dial calipers and mics. Inspecting sintered tungsten parts destroyed my steel dial sets so I invested in a 12" digital set with carbide jaw inserts: cost me $425 back in 1996... but I still have and use that set. I later picked up a set of 6" Etalon dial calipers out of curiosity, I like them alot too.
Got a blemmed 6" T square and 12" square from Taytools and they are AMAZING. 12" one came kinda rusty but they've both been great
Great video as always! I think those two people are just jealous of your dovetail skills! Keep up the great work. On a side note.....I've been using your dovetail jig like crazy lately and it's the best jig for dovetails by far...highly recommend it!!!
Thanks so much brother!
Thanks Jonathan!!!!
Thanks Jonathan for all the good info! Just received my blem 12' combo square in the mail today.
Thanks KM! I just found the great accuracy of using a marking knife along with a good square! I'd add one to your list of ways to use them: 1,000,722 - Set the marking knife into the dimension you want and then slide the handle of the square to the knife. Accurate and you can get it down to the 64th. Also found a great marking knife: Stanley # 10-040 ... inexpensive and folds for safety in your apron.
Thank you for all of your informational videos. I am a beginner woodworker and am soaking up all the knowledge I can. I just ordered a PEC combo square and two 24” rulers. Thank you for the blem link.
5:56 this is the best. I see people doing this all the time and I always struggled with it. I thought it was just a lack of experience - in a way I guess it is.
You voiced down aluminum squares as a carpenter's 24 X16. But they out there. They may not be square but can be adjusted using a hammer and cold chisel.
If the internal is acute (less than 90) hammer the interior with the chisel a bit and the angle will open. If the interior angle is (greater than 90) hammer the exterior corner with the chisel and it will begin to approach 90. Of course a reliable square template is need and may be factory cut sheet of plywood.
What a great video!
Bought two blem squares, used the money I saved to buy your dovetail jig. Thanks you!
had me worried for a second when you said igaging, ive always had good luck with mine :P
haha me too. I literally bought one yesterday and was bummed for a sec when he said that.
Are igaging ok? I’m in the UK and the shipping for the blem products makes them pretty expensive.
I bought an iGaging base off of Amazon reviews... it was definitely NOT square... almost a full 1/16 off. It’s an easy fix though if you know how to sand/polish the feet. After doing that I got it dialed right in... now that I know about the blemished squares I would steer anyone on a budget in that direction over iGaging
WOW. thank you so much for the tips. I bought one of the Blem squares and saved a ton. :)
I can always count on your videos to give good, informative and encouraging tips and tricks. Thanks a lot!
I realize this is a year old, but I was looking for ways to up my game, Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a very articulate manner. I always enjoy watching your video, but I always wind up spending money buying more tools, btw, love the flip stop.
It's important that most cheap squares do not have a hardened ruler, so using a marking knife wears the edge very quickly. They are OK for a pencil only.
AGREED!
That's a very good point, Valentin--thank you for reminding me of that.
The by fa(aa)r best combo-squares, I've ever had is the Ulmia combo-square. Yes, it is expensive, but it' absolutely worth it.
Great information, very helpful. I have been struggling trying to find a square square, so I decided to buy a blemished one from the link provided. I got it a couple of days ago and I'm blown away by how accurate they are, and so affordable! Thanks for the tip, keep'em coming
Great vid, great personality, good information that I've been looking for.
Ok, just for a second, the Danny Devito cut out freaked me out a little.
Just ordered a 4 piece kit and a 4” from Taylor. Thanks!
How for off was the protractor? Mine is off 3 degrees! Precision they say?
Thanks a lot for those tips, super big help!
OUTSTANDING, you really helped me to measure up😜. Thank you for your expertise, you show off😀.
picked up a 6" double square thanks for that tip on the website
I didn't even know that tool existed, I have nothing to do with the trade, but now I feel I need one.
Also after you set your check lines next to each other, you need to sight them, which means you bring your eye down to the board level look down the lines Daniel see if they're parallel or not you cannot tell from above, also it'd be very important tell your viewers how to actually adjust the blades in these squares you don't just loosen the nut inside the scale because that will wear the gauge pads that will make your Square out of alignment. When adjusting your scale to a specific dimension you loosen the nut then push the upward does forcing the scale away from the gauge pads then you move the scale to the location your desire. When you're close to the mark play me very close then you can release the nut I love to Spring to take over that make your adjustment or tighten your scale down also daylight lubricating oil wiped on the scale periodically it's not done daily will keep your investment well in tune and square is released from the factory in the first place, now go use your combination Square.,
My personal advice: buy whatever square you can afford; they are a must. If you can afford one of those nice squares, by all means, get one. But for people like me (just out of college, newly wed, living in a 1 bedroom apartment) a cheap combo square is better than no square. I have been trying to wood work as much as I can and I am amazed at how much better I have gotten with the aid of an Ace Hardware combo square. I thought I was doing okay with a small measuring tape and pair of digital calipers, but I was sorely mistaken.
Thanks a bunch for all the info. Great video!!
While the grove in the beam of an adjustable square can be used to mark a line that way,, make no mistake about the fact that you can be off your intended mark if you do it that way! If your marking point is able to go under the blade past the end edge it will be under marked as easily as you can over mark by placing your marking pencil or pen to far from the edge! That grove is there so that the knurled knob in the head of the square can tighten the clamp inside the head down on the blade when setting the square and not for the purpose of making a mark.
Very helpful. Could not find anything like this at the big box stores. Just ordered my "blems". Hope you're getting some affiliate love on that link, as I wouldn't have known about it without this video.
Awesome video, thanks for the hook up on the boem squares, been wanting to buy a good quality square but was hesitant to shell out the $100 for a quality tool. Have my PEC 6" square on the way now for only $30.
Ima shipfitter and this is my number 1 tool in my bucket, besides my welder.🤣🤣
How did I not think of using my square for depth? (Face palm) HAHA. Thank you!!!
Love your Matt Estlea marking knife........good info on the squares thanks
Thanks for the tip on the blemished tools! Just ordered a combination set and got a free mag tool holder. Fantastic deal!
How for off was the protractor? Mine is off 3 degrees!
Great video
Nice overview, I learned a few things.
Good stuff. Always picking up solid info from you. Thanks.
Thank You
Good information. When buying tools, I've learned that eventually I forget the purchase price, but I curse every time I use an inferior tool. Thumbs up to crush a troll.
I just bought one on China express, cast iron/ steel (no alu) handle and stainless steel ruler.
The finish is no where near Starret ofc. But this thing is nicer than most of the big brand ones..
for like 12,- instead of 300,- for the same Starret.
This makes my OCD happy.
Need to teach how to true a square that is out of square. Layout/framing square, T square, and combo square.
Great video! Thanks for all the tips!
Excellent video, thanks
Sweet stuff. Gonna be picking up a blem square thanks for the link
small correction. the depth of your mortise is the MAXIMUM depth of your tenon. leaving a small gap at the bottom of a tight fitting mortise is FULLY acceptable. If you aim to cut the tenon just a bit short, you'll often save yourself some time shaving it to fit fully.
very nice video, and great information. thanks for putting this together.
Johnathan: Good squares are cost prohibitive costing from 75 to 150
Woodpecker: Hold my beer
Oh my god--if there were Olympics for overpriced carpentry tools Woodpeckers would take the gold every year, closely followed by Festool.
The ONLY thing to ever buy from Festool are tools that they still hold the exclusive patent to, like the Domino.
Their chokehold on tracksaws is Over for those who know. Makita puts out a Better product for a few hundred bucks less.
Overpriced squares? Bridge city.
Jonathan, you are right, I have bought the machinist squares from Amazon for 8 bucks and had to return them because they were not square. I paid more for PEC, Moore and Wright and those were great. What do you need a double square? Can’t you just use a small combination square? I use a 4 and 6 inch machinist and 6 and 12 inch combination. Isn’t that enough? I would like to get the compass though. BTW, I say again, I love your videos. Keep making them. Thanks.
Thanks bud. Everyone has different work flow. I like the t-squares as opposed to the machinist squares because they do the same thing but also so much more.
Thanks for the video =)
Great video 👍!! Very informative, going to get all my squares out and check everything for squareness now 😃 😂
Using the tick mark you still could be 10,000 off depending on the width of the tick mark in the placement of the knife what's in that tick mark. So exactly is a broad term it all depends on the skill of the user of the tool and using the tool correctly.
Jonathan, than you for the tips. I’m just getting into fine woodworking - vice construction level building. I ordered a 12 inch combination square and 2 sizes of T-Square and they came today. Very happy with them - fantastic quality, very accurate, and easy to read. I took great pleasure in throwing my crappy old rusty ruler can’t read the damn thing not quite square combo square in the trash. I have to say Taylor Toolworks is a quality outfit - fast shipping and great communication. Thanks for pointing me in their direction. This won’t be my last purchase through them.
They also have built-in levels.
4:34 The two lines will always be parallel when they are drawn from the same (straight) line.
Very informative video! Keep it up!
How about a video on caring and refurbishing squares? I have some I got from my Dad that need rust removed, etc.
Probably a lost cause due to the high precision needed. Although I'd it's just the blade that can be replaced at that same link to the blem sqaures
I have the same question. However while I agree that many of these tools are beyond reliable repair, I have a number of quality older tools that simply need cleaning up so the etchings can be easier to read. Can they be buffed, or some sort of solvent be applied?
@@eddieg9032 wd40 and 4/0 steel wool followed by paste wax has worked really well for me.
@@katzmosestools I checked Dad's old squares and they are the good style, just some discoloration on the blades. But I ordered a 4" and a 6" blew blade anyway.
The only fully metric combo square I could find in the US was a Starrett. I bit the bullet and bought it.
Rob Cosman uses PEC
Fyi Starrett makes a satin finish as well. Thanks for the video
one word.... Woodpeckers! their layout, t-squares, DelVe squares for joinery layout, and saddle squares simply cannot be beat. Review that.
Combo squares and tri squares sounds better to use then my speed square
Thanks a lot man!!! You just cost me money. :-) I've been needing to replace my cr8p big box store combination square forever.
What about Woodpeckers squares?? I have many of them and they are great!!
Whoa, I caught a glimpse of your Aura hardwoods note pad... ha ha ha that is my local supplier!!!
...blow my mind hole?...whole? love mixed metaphors.
Fundamentals win ball games!
Huh. I'm an engineer and never knew what the square tolerance units were. The day I got my Rockler square I thought "how can something be square to 0.0015in? What does being square to done measurement even mean?" Shouldn't it be an angle? Well, whattya know, it's error/12in. Got it!