The Starrett 12-inch combination square is machined and constructed to high standards. In the case of Starrett, its high manufacturing standards are enhanced by the materials used. WoodPeckers Squares - Aluminum vs Stainless Steel on: November 25, 2020, 12:24 AM I've the WoodPeckers 12" square, 12" triangle, and some smaller mini triangles that screw together all in the Red aluminum. WebStarrett Combination Set with Square, Center and Reversible Protractor Head and Blade - 12" Blade Length, Cast Iron Heads, Hardened Steel, 4R Graduation Type - C435-12-4R. Cooler. A woodworker's first 6" square is Starrett the second 6" square could be WP or BCT or Vesper or Starrett guarantees the accuracy of its fixed squares to 0.0002" (two-tenths of a thousandth). WebThe Woodpecker PRO is specifically designed for all types of hard wood. Cut the length of the blade based on your intended use and preferences. If its not square, it can be adjusted by hitting with a center punch at the apex. House Grail is reader-supported. Quick View. They are known for their high manufacturing standards for accuracy, as well as quality control and consistency, just as much as Woodpecker. Is it just me??? Using the piece of cherry wood, grab your straight edge and razorblade. The head can be made of plastic (frequently high-impact polystyrene), die-cast zinc, or cast iron. If the square is out of the even the slightest, it can mess up your entire project right there. Loosen and remove the blade. A little flex is unlikely to cause a problem for general carpentry tasks, but its undesirable on workpieces that demand high accuracy, such as in engineering applications. The manufacturing standards that iGaging employs when making their 24-inch combination square helps provide accurate measuring and marking of larger projects. Every project is different in size, and so does the size of the square. This tool is one-piece of tempered steel that has a 24 X 2 body and a 16 X 1 tongue. I have actually heard complaints about Woodpecker The retaining nut for the blade is sprung, so it prevents the blade from falling out even when loosened. The 12-inch Mr. So, its inevitable that the accuracy number will be something astonishing. However, heat might cause distortion, and the bearing surfacesthe 90- or 45-degree areas where the square rests against the workpieceare easily damaged. Its compact size makes it perfect for most basic tasks, and the draw bolt makes it easy to adjust the head and lock it into whatever position you prefer. My Starrett combination square came with a scriber. WebThe Starrett 12" Combination Square with Square Head includes a reversible lock bolt, scriber, spirit level (except 4"), and hardened steel, photo-engraved blade with regular or satin chrome finish. It's a rafter square anyways, doesn't need to be absolutely square, but still hurts each time I use it. Professionally-made squares will be more precise, and they may offer more functions to enhance usability and accuracy. It can not only measure length and depth, but also check square and 45-degree angles. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. "We, the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible, for the ungrateful. You will select a square based on your specific projects to ensure that the square performs as needed. The only thing that Starrett has that comes close is a 6 inch rule with end gradations. He has spent over 20 years honing his skills, learning new techniques, and perfecting his designs. To reduce the risk of serious injury and/or damage to your Festool product, always read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions in your Festool product's Instruction Manual. 103. A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. Since the price is a bit high, its okay to ask whether you should invest in Woodpecker tools. What square should I get if I need to make different angles? Our reviews are designed to make the shopping process far easier. If the handle comes off the blade, its hard to reattach it, which leads to a frustrating experience. Manufacturing Even with the best materials and engineering behind, brands often fail to Other experience with Swanson vs Empire: My Swanson 7" rafter square is dead on, while my Empire 12 incher is not (found this out when checking against my Starrett). So, in that regard, both brands have engraved marking on them. Compare. Even with the best materials and engineering behind, brands often fail to deliver due to proper quality control. This rustproof stainless steel blade offers clear etched divisions at 1/8 inch, 1/16 inch, and 1/32 inch. It is durable, easy to use, and can be used on multiple projects. Flip the square around and strike another line. However, it does come with a 14-inch blade, making it the longest model on our list. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I haven't had any wear or wear off issues with my Woodpecker's stuff. Make sure to get the stainless version. Which Celebrities Still Have Twitter Checkmarks? It depends on what you use these tools for and whether they give you the result you desire. The 7/8-inch fence also can be used as a circular saw guide when crosscutting lumber. Empire tools are always a great choice, and this combo square is a fine option for amateurs as well as professionals. We cover each model in detail, showing you the best and worst attributes so that you know what youre investing in before you buy. Large Saddle Square. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. For example, its Precision Aluminum Square is well-rated as an accurate, well-crafted measuring tool with a blade and base machined from a single aluminum block. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. I keep a machinist square in a drawer and its only use is to check other squares. Some day wood shop work may be at a level that requires this type of implied accuracy, so I want to find that you tube video of how to adjust it, Rick M, http://thewoodknack.blogspot.com/. As I mentioned before, precision is the key to the perfect woodworking project. Festool and its affiliates cannot be responsible for improper postings or your reliance on the website's material. ago For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Is a Starrett combination square worth the price? having come down from my Grandfather. The content contained on this site is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Master Precision Square The die-cast zinc body is corrosion resistant and in Irwins trademark blue. The value of a quality square is not just the tool itself, its not having to worry about a whole bunch of cuts being off before you notice, or a glue up being out of square, or all the other frustrations that happen when a tool goes out of square and you don't realize till its too late. A 12-inch combination square, probably the most practical size for general-purpose use, is the most popular. On the other hand, Woodpecker squares dont have those variations, and they only have the base variant to offer. $118.99 $139.99. Take love :), Your email address will not be published. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Youll be able to get the most accurate measurement without any issue. 100% worth it. My wife bought me the stainless steel paolini set a couple years back as a OTT, I was afraid to use them at first, but they are great. The blade is stainless steel, so it wont rust, but the graduations are punched rather than etched. Starrett may be a name that you recognize from its long line of great squares, but this model doesnt live up to those expectations. I think it really depends on how you work and how often you really use a square. You can post now and register later. All of my Woodpecker Tools are in metric and I actually just recently ordered a couple of the Stainless Steel Squares in metric. I would guess that is calibrated to use with such a scriber. The blade is made from stainless steel and the handle from aluminum. I personally have used an age-old 8" combination square and find it to be a good length, but I have little confidence in the square. The head is die-cast zinc with the usual bubble and scriber. I personally use my Paolini pocket rule daily. My Starett tools hold up very well to daily use and i have never had any issues. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. If you are not sure what to get and you want to get them something from Woodpeckers consider this. To ensure your measurement is right, proper marking on the square is important. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. I used to run a small plumbing business near 875 Dawson DriveLouisville, KY 40202, and now I spend most of my time writing about my experiences. Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush. This set comes with two squares for the price of one, which makes them a tremendous deal that most people will appreciate. Hardened steel, and built to last, Starrett has the reputation of being life-long tools in a woodworking shop. I own the Lee Valley versions, and I've used several other PEC versions, including Wood River, and they're quite nice. While this may be true, a manufactured need so to speak, it does not detract from the accuracy and precision of their measuring tools. $101.99 $119.99. At the same time, long blades will be difficult to use in tight, hard to reach places. This square also comes with etched markings. A Beginners Guide To Using Wood Filler: Tips and Tricks, Choosing The Right Wood Filler (Or Putty) For Your Project, Choosing The Right Polyurethane For Your Woodworking Project. In a combination square, size generally relates to the length of the ruler section, which is called the blade. Blades can run from 4 inches on the smallest models to 24 inches on the largest. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The best quality combination squares feature cast-iron heads with finely ground bearing surfaces and precision-etched blades. Markings are machine etched into the surface, so they wont wear off. Only thing you can really do is find another square and check them both against it. Place the base at the bottom of the first line and draw a second line along the blade. As you can see, both brands are great on their own terms. Are Woodpecker Tools Worth It? | Obsessed Woodworking An acrylic vial protects the bubble, and a scriber is included. Take extra time to ensure the accuracy of the markings. However, you can also quickly check by measuring a wood block with a straight edge. Clean out the excess wood within the mortise using a chisel. Select a woodworking square type based on your intended use. As I mentioned before, squares are meant to give you an accurate measurement. Woodworking Squares 1. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Expensive tools, they usually are intended for engineering shops. The iGaging 4 & 6 Double Square Set 4R are a good set of squares for woodworking. Place the oak blade beam on the cherry handle to mark the mortise thickness. I have a few Woodpeckers stuff and see them as precision tools that make my job easier and I treat them with respect, not like go-to tools that are kicked around. Die-cast zinc is considerably tougher and doesnt rust, and its bearing surfaces can be accurately machined. This feature comes in especially handy when you need to duplicate a mark or measurement on projects like installing drawer slides, or creating a perpendicular line along the edge of multiple workpieces. With a wide variety of Hi. Though that makes the price a bit high, his way both brands can offer their best through strict quality control. To assure that your square will last a long time, select a model with measurements etched onto the blade. Work slowly and check it frequently until the issue is resolved. Plastic heads cost little to produce, reducing the price of the combination square. However I've got a few of those for marking. Pasted as rich text. If the second line is superimposed over the first, it's square. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, that we are now qualified to do almost anything, with nothing at all.". Item 07F11. In fourth is the Irwin Tools 12-Inch Combination Square which is made from heat-treated stainless-steel, and comes with etched markings, though its quality control concerns and sometimes-difficult operation cost is a few positions on our list. Having confidence in yourself to measure twice is one thing; having confidence in the measuring tool you use is another. I bought two for my son in law. Still, if you want a great product that will make your jobs faster, youll love this one. Polyurethane vs Varnish: Which Is The Better Finish For Woodworking? Dixie Home Carpet and Shaw are two popular carpet brands that offer high-quality products. As you are cutting, leave a little extra room between the cut and marking line. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! It does so after carefully milling it in multiple high RPM passes on those state-of-the-art CNC machine tools. Woodpecker and Starrett are both respected for the quality of their tools. Your email address will not be published. Apply wood glue to the blade and wiggle the oak blade into the cherry handle. The blade can be removed and used as a ruler. 5.0 out of 5 stars 3. DIYers can buy protractor heads with the tool. Although Festool strives for accuracy in the website material, the website may contain inaccuracies. I wouldn't trade either of them for 10 of any other combo squares I've used. While their quality and engineering are without argument the highest of standards in the industry, they are more expensive at 3-5 times the price of all others. I cant remember the last time I actually used a square to do anything other than setup a machine. While divisions go down only to 1/32 inch, it also has a centimeter scale in 1-millimeter (1/10-centimeter) segments. It far above other models when it comes to quality and usefulness, but the price tag is still one that many people will consider excessive for a square. If youre a first-time woodworker, or looking to expand your existing toolkit, you might also consider purchasing a kit that comes with a speed square as well. Yeah that probably woulda been more appropriate, The second best combo square if you aren't getting a new Starrett is to. It could have happened when it was shipped to you. You cannot paste images directly. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. For too many years I looked at Starrett as an over priced ripoff, then all the frustrations added up, all the time I spent through the years not to mention all the money I spent buying different squares. Whats the main purpose of a carpentry tool? The content contained on this site is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. A 12" is $52 plus change plus they have several different sizes. So, despite being one of the most expensive carpentry squares out there, Starrett is worth every penny due to its accuracy. But that isn't really a wear and tear from use issue. Square is important in woodworking, as is alignment of workpieces. If so, please leave a comment and let me know. Then, you will need to create a mortise, which is the groove that the blade will fit down into. Cut down along these lines to create a stair step design. It has a valuable place in the tool kit of DIY fans, remodelers, and contractors. I'm with Packard on this onethe Starrett's more accurate and more flexible. It is NOT a measuring device. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the case of Starrett, its high manufacturing standards are enhanced by the materials I've always considered the gradations on any square to be there for rough framing only. However, the prices for Woodpecker measuring tools is well below that of Starrett, while at the same time well above other competition with such others as Irwin and iGaging. WebC11H-12-4R 12" Combination Square with Square Head. Now, Starrett not only offers different types of squares but there are different tools to make your job easier. Use the bubble level to check alignment when installing doorframes or building partition walls, for example. The products price is always a deciding factor in any purchase decision. Cast iron head, nice blade. One other thing if you don't want to shell out the money for a quality square and don't care if its a combo square do a search for Precision Steel Squares at ptreeusa, they only have a 3 pc set but I know I have seen them elsewhere individually for about thirty dollars, they are one piece so they can't go out of square. Add a stairstep by making lines at the quarter-inch, half-inch, and three-quarter-inch of the oak blade. The combination square includes a cast iron head with black wrinkle finish. You will find that in many forums people are praising the output of the tools of this brand. Woodpecker Items I dont get it Japanese Combination Square. We have always found Woodpecker measuring tools to be worth the extra money, and its more than simply because they are less expensive than Starrett tools. Lower-cost models may not be as precise. $28782$330.20. It also comes at a relatively high price. After reading this thread, should the topic be: What's the 2nd Best Combination Square? Its square head includes a bubble level and a scribe, and the 24-inch blade length should be able to handle even large-scale measuring jobs. I don't mind having multiple squares. More versatile would be a Starrett combination square in the same cost range or less. Complaints about this models failings vary widely, from rough operation to pieces which dont fit together right and throw the whole device out of square. Only 5 left in stock - order soon. Btw, I saw where wood magazine rated the Swanson 12" a great alternative to the starrett but I've actually read poor reviews on them elsewhere. I have the 12'' and its dead on.great square. In comparison between this two, Starrett seems a bit more expensive than Woodpecker squares. Seller said he had checked it for square against another square. In the overall scheme of things in the woodworking shop, the accuracy of those two measurements before the single cut can make the difference between a good project outcome and a great one. Woodpecker is a pretty popular brand on the market in terms of accuracy. WebStarrett High-Accuracy Combination Squares. I also made sure to include a range of sizes, so whether you just need a compact tool to keep in your tool belt, or an extra large square for larger projects, youll find an option that works for you. At the other end of the scale, many combination squares are ideal for a range of DIY uses. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. I also have the woodpeckers precision triangle, which I use for checking square on smaller cases/boxes. Festool doesn't have one for $300. Instead, woodworkers generally use a pencil, so the TICOFTECH package includes two carpenters pencils. Learn more. Honestly Home Depot sell the Irwin I think it has a blue package. With a hardened steel blade, cast iron head, and precision lock bolt, this model tops the rest in durability and accuracy. Though very durable, stainless steel has slightly less strength and resists corrosion. To give the consumers freedom of size, both Starrett and Woodpecker offer multiple square sizes. That manufacturing method lends it an incredible mix of both strength and lightness, making it one of the best models on the market in that area. However, this model suffers from quality control concerns. Plus, the compact size of this combination square is perfect for fitting in your pocket or tool belt while on the job. The degree of measurement breakdown, the scale of the measuring tool not just 1/8ths, but 1/16ths and 1/32ths, can make a difference in joinery and assembly of your project. Both brands have a variety of carpentry squares, and you can choose one according to your choice. Woodpecker uses a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) method for automating control of machine tools through the use of computer software embedded in a microcomputer that is part of the machine tool itself. We all need a quality square in our woodworking shop. JavaScript is disabled. Do this with both squares individually. Blade thickness also can vary considerably. If you purchase a square that cannot cover the size requirement of your large woodworking project, your money will go to complete waste. The premium price paid for Woodpecker measuring tools is primarily for their accuracy. It also comes with a stainless-steel blade. That is truly impressive, to be sure. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. To test the squares accuracy, use a piece of board with a flat, machined edge, such as plywood or MDF. I have the 4", 6" and 12" combo squares and they were all dead on. Festool USA does not pre-approve the contents of this website nor endorse the application or use of any Festool product in any way other than in the manner described in the Festool Instruction Manual. If you like, you can even detach the ruler altogether and use it as a standalone tool. vs Squares dont cut wood but they are used to adjust your tools. I use a 6" most often, followed by a 12" that also has 18 and 24 inch blades. I think I may get one for my son soon, he is 12 and dropsy so this should be perfect for him. Make sure that your woodworking square is completely square and provides accurate and precise measurements. The head is a die-cast zinc unit that fits comfortably in the hand and offers a bubble level and a scriber. You may even want to look into squares with a leveling bubble and other features to maximize precision capabilities. WebThe Starrett combination square has a reputation for being the best on the market and delivering highly accurate results this model lives up to that impressive reputation. However, Shaw offers more varieties in their product range than Dixie Home Carpet. The list includes various price, size, and material options. Square isnt determined by pins, rivets, screws or spot-welds like it is in virtually every other square on the market. To help prevent rust, some combination squares also are chrome plated. I have an Empire from Menards. NOTE: Popular sizes and lengths are listed here. Your link has been automatically embedded. But until now, no one has done much to make the combination square better. The Woodpeckers product development team wanted more than just a “me too” product. Your email address will not be published. Spec. I purchased a used 12" Starrett 4R grad combination square on eBay and just got it today. A nice $100 Starrett square will be a family heirloom to be handed down, while a $10 Irwin won't be. I have had engineering squares in the past but one fall off the bench and they are a paper weight. I really wish they would offer it in metric as well. This hardened steel square is used when extreme accuracy is required. Whether any tool is worth the price or not is very subjective and individual. Even the laser etching doesnt seem like it will last. IRWIN Tools Tri and Mitre Square Best for the Money. Numerous models are available, which can make choosing the single best combination square a challenge. We believe Woodpecker claims of accuracy, and the build of each of our Woodpecker measuring tools is solid and durable.
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