My starret 12” combination square is over thirty years old now but looks like new, works like new and is my go to square ninety five percent of the time. I inherited some nice english ebony handled squares with brass inlays from my grandfather but i never use them. To clunky once your used to a Starret. I do have six and three inch versions too and i use those quite often. Wonderful American made tools of exceptional quality, accuracy and excellent value for money. I would be lost without them. Very popular with musical instrument makers and pattern makers who need high accuracy. The ability to depth stop and check for parallel is something I need to have all the time. Good vid stumpy.
I thought this video was going to a boring and drawn out, but it turns out to be exactly what I needed. He explains many uses for the combination square with examples of how he uses them. Great job!
This is awesome! Aspiring woodworker here. The way you compress years worth of hard learned experience, in under 5 mins - a bit like drinking from a firehose. Thank you for doing this!
Man, your timing is perfect! I am just trying to align the miter slots of my table saw to the saw blade. And my method is quite complex compared to the one you are showing. Thank you! And now I know that I have a center finder as well! ;)
Nice video stumpy! I need to invest in a quality one. Even though I’ve “trued” my cheap ones. I still am always doubting them. Nothing worse than a out-of-square square
I have used a combination square for 35 years. I use every method shown here. Pluss a few. A very important tool if used and understood correctly. A MUST HAVE tool for ANY serious woodworker.
In my country they aren't really a common thing, but I saw it on TH-cam several times and found a store that sold it. Got myself one and I absolutely love it! I don't trust the squareness of it (it's a cheaper one) but it still comes in handy in so many other places and delivers good quality for those type of jobs!
Great presentation! I've more or less accidently discovered some of these tips, but at least half of them are so useful I can't wait until tomorrow to try them out. Some time ago I picked up a little combination square because it looked a lot nicer than the one I usually use, and now I realize how much more I can do with that one. Thank you!
I know all your little tricks, but that being said this kind of tutorial can't be done enough. I work in the sheet metal trade and I'm often surprised how many people don't know all the uses for this tool and end up leaving it in there tool box. Thanks for the video Stumpy.
Good tips mate. There are limitless options where speeds square comes handy. The only problem that can happen is to relying to much on it and in the end you found out that not two and two are totally flat. Even more expensive ones can be crocked . And dealing with delicate work can be complicated. Regards
Had to smile....dad has passed and have many of his squares. The level is broken in one, but he kept it. I asked him why, when he had good ones, he kept the broken one. "Well, it's still good even without the level...and a reminder for me," he said. "Never put a level on metal you just welded!"
TH-cam must have some kind of mind reading algorithm, because last night I was stuck with figuring out an easy and accurate way to measure and transfer different depth measurements over to a dowel. This really helped. Thanks mind reading TH-cam and Stumpy Nubs.
I came to find out the difference between this and a speed square, and to justify whether or not I needed one. You confirmed I did, and with great detail and ideas. Thank you!
It's a little late to ask why you didn't mention the the scribe, but I use mine all the time as a center-punch to locate screw holes. My old Stanley square has holes every 1/2" along the ruler to mark circles, or secure the scribe / pencil tip to mark along the edge of a board. That's a nice feature I haven't seen on newer models.
great video. I can't believe you didn't discuss the "hidden" scratch awl in the base. That little knob on the end unscrews and reveals a nice little scratch awl for marking parts. My shop teacher taught me that one 45 years ago. Wow that little trip down memory lane made me feel suddenly very old.
I tried to use my square but forgot the combination. Good video. I rely on my tape measure too much. I usually cut everything a bit less and trim to fit. If you get all you cuts to fit perfectly the first time, you have better equipment and skill than me. I do it well, just slower.
I have trouble tightening the nut holds the ruler tight to the frame. Hence the ruler slips. Do you have a video tutorial on this? Your videos are very informative.
I almost bought some Chinese angle finder thing that only came in imperial on ebay because I didn't know this tool did all these things. Thank you for this video!!
Should you lubricate the sliding parts? Mine is new, and a little stiff. I was tempted to use graphite powder, but I think that might mess up the ruler and make it harder to read (as it's hard to stop powder getting everywhere. Maybe just run a pencil along the edges? What do people use if they lubricate it, or shouldn't it be necessary? Thanks.
James, I bought a set of igaging squares and took the ruler out of the 6” to mark something. I couldn’t get it back in to save my life. After about 20 mins. I finally did. Is there a trick to doing this?
Very good tips! Always wanted to buy one of these but the only metric one I have found is a Starret which is to expensive for my needs. All other options are either imperial, or they have both metric AND imperial on the other side, which I think is completely dumb.
Decades ago my dad gave me a Starrett engineer's square with a 18 inch rule (he had another). Later I got another square with a 12 in. blade. I found there were just too many times that the 12 in. blade wasn't quite long enough and now use the 18 in. blade most of the time. You can find 18 in., 24 in., and 36 in. rules that fit the engineer's square, but they are all more expensive than a 12 in. rule, the latter two being dramatically more expensive. You can find or make attachments that will hold two rules together, and allow them to slide until you want to hold them tightly together. You can use two held together to measure the inside of a workpiece that's longer than either ruler.
I love your videos but I am too old for combination squares. I like my traditional trisquares and use dedicated tools for the other functions. Although it’s good as a depth gauge sometimes, but so are my marking gauges, one with a cutter and one with a pencil.
If I need to rip a thin enough strip from plywood, I use two combo squares. Set one to the width you need (exact if you’re using a door board/track, adjusted for saw foot if just a straight edge), then push it against the other to ensure they’re identical. Clamp one on each end of the cut, and clamp your straight edge (or track) right up against the rules. Once that’s secure, unclamp the combo squares and cut
I mostly use in precision machine work so I have Starrett and Mitutoyo, but even inexpensive squares are extremely handy for anyone that builds anything!
Information dense, to the point, and practical. Thank you.
Thank you James, for helping me make use of the tools I already have. Tim
My starret 12” combination square is over thirty years old now but looks like new, works like new and is my go to square ninety five percent of the time. I inherited some nice english ebony handled squares with brass inlays from my grandfather but i never use them. To clunky once your used to a Starret. I do have six and three inch versions too and i use those quite often. Wonderful American made tools of exceptional quality, accuracy and excellent value for money.
I would be lost without them. Very popular with musical instrument makers and pattern makers who need high accuracy. The ability to depth stop and check for parallel is something I need to have all the time.
Good vid stumpy.
You forgot to mention the handy dandy scribe point in the back of the square. Great tips about squaring the blades and fences.
You Sir, are chill and relaxed which makes you a pleasure to listen too!
Thank you for taking your precious and valuable time to add value to our lives by sharing your wisdom.
I have the Starrett combo square set, and will now use it even more. Thank you sir 😃
I thought this video was going to a boring and drawn out, but it turns out to be exactly what I needed. He explains many uses for the combination square with examples of how he uses them. Great job!
Wow, I had no clue how many uses this tool has! Awesome! Now I need to get a bigger one of these. Thanx!
I use a speed square for most of my projects. Will definitely ad a combination square to my tool bag. Thanks for the tips
This is awesome! Aspiring woodworker here. The way you compress years worth of hard learned experience, in under 5 mins - a bit like drinking from a firehose. Thank you for doing this!
Man, your timing is perfect! I am just trying to align the miter slots of my table saw to the saw blade. And my method is quite complex compared to the one you are showing. Thank you!
And now I know that I have a center finder as well! ;)
Nice video stumpy! I need to invest in a quality one. Even though I’ve “trued” my cheap ones. I still am always doubting them. Nothing worse than a out-of-square square
Third Coast Craftsman this is so true! I’ve squared every square I own now but everytime I pick them up I’m wondering if it’s still square? Lol
Ok, that was a great....straight to the point video. Liked & Subscribed .
Great Chanel 👌👌👌👌👌
As a new woodworker, I am thoroughly enjoying your channel. Today I learned A LOT!!!
Thanks for the informative video, love learning things!! And you taught me lots today
I've just bought a combination square set so have a few ideas on use now.
I have used a combination square for 35 years. I use every method shown here. Pluss a few. A very important tool if used and understood correctly. A MUST HAVE tool for ANY serious woodworker.
A must have tool for any fabricator, wood or metal
Whats the extra few you're keeping secret
@@NewBeginningNewCreation compas to Draw circles
Thanks for sharing your knowledge James! I learned a lot.
In my country they aren't really a common thing, but I saw it on TH-cam several times and found a store that sold it. Got myself one and I absolutely love it! I don't trust the squareness of it (it's a cheaper one) but it still comes in handy in so many other places and delivers good quality for those type of jobs!
Thanks so much. Very Helpful.
Great presentation! I've more or less accidently discovered some of these tips, but at least half of them are so useful I can't wait until tomorrow to try them out. Some time ago I picked up a little combination square because it looked a lot nicer than the one I usually use, and now I realize how much more I can do with that one. Thank you!
Very helpful, thanks for posting.
I love James! Your voice is like a warm blanket.
Lol
Great tips James, thanks for sharing them.
Very well done, thank you!
Great video! Don't forget the scribing needle many squares have in them
I know all your little tricks, but that being said this kind of tutorial can't be done enough. I work in the sheet metal trade and I'm often surprised how many people don't know all the uses for this tool and end up leaving it in there tool box. Thanks for the video Stumpy.
Good tips mate. There are limitless options where speeds square comes handy. The only problem that can happen is to relying to much on it and in the end you found out that not two and two are totally flat. Even more expensive ones can be crocked . And dealing with delicate work can be complicated. Regards
Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for. As always, great information without the fluff!
Had to smile....dad has passed and have many of his squares. The level is broken in one, but he kept it. I asked him why, when he had good ones, he kept the broken one. "Well, it's still good even without the level...and a reminder for me," he said. "Never put a level on metal you just welded!"
Great video James! I always learn something new from your videos. Keep creating the excellent content James!
Hi from Colombia, thk for your video 🙏
I learned a few things today. Particularly router bit height. Nice. Thanks.
Glad you got us squared away on this one.
Donnie G is find new hand spoke shave
Great tutorial
TH-cam must have some kind of mind reading algorithm, because last night I was stuck with figuring out an easy and accurate way to measure and transfer different depth measurements over to a dowel. This really helped. Thanks mind reading TH-cam and Stumpy Nubs.
Just bought some tools for my new job fabricating steel. Quite a few videos have helped even if it's centered around wood rather than cold hard steel.
Thank you for posting! 😀
Good stuff! I have a half dozen or so from 4" to 18" and at times wish I had more. I set them and leave them for set ups during a project.
Gesundheit
I have a cheap one that has been well beaten up, once again you've helped me get rid of some spare cash...:-). Thanks for sharing and Cheers from BC
This was awesome.
Nice video, thanks ☺
I came to find out the difference between this and a speed square, and to justify whether or not I needed one. You confirmed I did, and with great detail and ideas. Thank you!
It's a little late to ask why you didn't mention the the scribe, but I use mine all the time as a center-punch to locate screw holes. My old Stanley square has holes every 1/2" along the ruler to mark circles, or secure the scribe / pencil tip to mark along the edge of a board. That's a nice feature I haven't seen on newer models.
Very informative video
Great info!!! Thanks. And that shop and all the old tools!!! Wow Never seen that many planes at once!!
Thank you ✅👍Happy Christmas
great video. I can't believe you didn't discuss the "hidden" scratch awl in the base. That little knob on the end unscrews and reveals a nice little scratch awl for marking parts. My shop teacher taught me that one 45 years ago. Wow that little trip down memory lane made me feel suddenly very old.
Thanks for sharing another use for this tool
Drawing lines! OMG great!
Love all your tips and tricks, keep them coming!
Thank You! Very useful information.
I really appreciate your honesty and the practical information you provide. Very useful and helpful info.
I just hit the Subscribe button!
measurement transfer is one of the best uses of a combination square.
Fantastic, so many thing I didn't realise could be done.
Great presentation and I learnt something new
I might have missed it, but did you mention the built in scribe? That also comes in real handy!
OMG Becky, now I have to get one.
I tried to use my square but forgot the combination. Good video. I rely on my tape measure too much. I usually cut everything a bit less and trim to fit. If you get all you cuts to fit perfectly the first time, you have better equipment and skill than me. I do it well, just slower.
Awesome Thank you for great tips
and great presentation.
I have trouble tightening the nut holds the ruler tight to the frame. Hence the ruler slips. Do you have a video tutorial on this?
Your videos are very informative.
Top man Top video, thanks for taking the time.
Great tips Stumpy! I picked up a couple of new uses for my combo square. Always great videos and content. Thanks for sharing these tips.
I almost bought some Chinese angle finder thing that only came in imperial on ebay because I didn't know this tool did all these things. Thank you for this video!!
Hi Jim. How many Planes do you have? A vid about them would be excellent. Best Wishes.
th-cam.com/video/-pFmUsrtKlI/w-d-xo.html
I love these tip videos! Thanks Stumpy!
Should you lubricate the sliding parts? Mine is new, and a little stiff. I was tempted to use graphite powder, but I think that might mess up the ruler and make it harder to read (as it's hard to stop powder getting everywhere. Maybe just run a pencil along the edges? What do people use if they lubricate it, or shouldn't it be necessary? Thanks.
I use a little bees wax.
Awesome 👍
James, I bought a set of igaging squares and took the ruler out of the 6” to mark something. I couldn’t get it back in to save my life. After about 20 mins. I finally did. Is there a trick to doing this?
This is a fab video, thanks for sharing!
Good stuff. Thanks!
Thank you,Love all your tips
Very good tips! Always wanted to buy one of these but the only metric one I have found is a Starret which is to expensive for my needs. All other options are either imperial, or they have both metric AND imperial on the other side, which I think is completely dumb.
There is no better feeling tool to use than a starrett combo square
Dylan Headrick I didn't know this until I bought my first one as a Christmas present for myself. Worth every penny.
This shit is far overpriced for what it is, bought chinese well builded one... can even be realigned when the starrett can't ..
Good video!
Love my little 4" Sterrett. A go-to player.
Very Good!!
Thanks for the great vids.
1 further use of the adjustable square is as a plumb bob,when the steel rule is attached.
Very nice tutorial sir,great reminder as well
Well ibd....i hadn't thought of a few of those. Great vid
Good Video. I've always wondered. How is the removable pin supposed to be used?
I welded for about nine years and using a center finder was essential to many jobs. The trisquare was used every day for layout.
Great tips James. You square up to be a a really nice guy!
Thanks mate, learnt some new tips.
Decades ago my dad gave me a Starrett engineer's square with a 18 inch rule (he had another). Later I got another square with a 12 in. blade. I found there were just too many times that the 12 in. blade wasn't quite long enough and now use the 18 in. blade most of the time. You can find 18 in., 24 in., and 36 in. rules that fit the engineer's square, but they are all more expensive than a 12 in. rule, the latter two being dramatically more expensive.
You can find or make attachments that will hold two rules together, and allow them to slide until you want to hold them tightly together. You can use two held together to measure the inside of a workpiece that's longer than either ruler.
If you're willing to steal the scribe out of your combination square, it's a great piece for a homemade marking gauge.
I just steal them from home depot, like most of my tools.
Is the iGaging and Starrett compatible with Stanley squares?
Thank you James!
THANK YOU!!!!
wow!..i'm looking at my square with renewed reverence!..thanx bra,
Excellent
Awesome
I love your videos but I am too old for combination squares. I like my traditional trisquares and use dedicated tools for the other functions. Although it’s good as a depth gauge sometimes, but so are my marking gauges, one with a cutter and one with a pencil.
thanks I am new at this and this was helpful.
You turned me on to the Bora and you’ll never pry it from my hands! Excellent!
Well done. Thank you.
I use mine for laying laminte flooring the depth gauge trick is great for around door casings and the final edge pieces
If I need to rip a thin enough strip from plywood, I use two combo squares. Set one to the width you need (exact if you’re using a door board/track, adjusted for saw foot if just a straight edge), then push it against the other to ensure they’re identical. Clamp one on each end of the cut, and clamp your straight edge (or track) right up against the rules. Once that’s secure, unclamp the combo squares and cut
I mostly use in precision machine work so I have Starrett and Mitutoyo, but even inexpensive squares are extremely handy for anyone that builds anything!