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squares
Hand Squares
Hand squares are an important tool for
a variety of constructions. They are used to mark lines
and check the accuracy of specific degrees. The idea behind
a hand square stems all the way back to the 17th century
when the "try square" was introduced in China. Today, hand
squares come in several varieties including the try square,
measuring square, and combination square.
Try Square
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Woodworking tool used for marking and
measuring a piece of wood.
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Measures the accuracy of a right angle
(90 degrees).
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Made with a thin steel blade and a
thicker stock, which is often made of wood. Blades are
made from fine steel, iron, or brass. Stocks are made
from rosewood, ebony, or other hardwoods.
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Comes in a range of sizes. Blade lengths
varying from two to twenty-four inches. Length depends
upon the age of the tool and the purpose of it.
Measuring Square
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Also referred to as a "magic square,"
angle square, or protractor square.
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A durable triangular square used as
a protractor and for scribing lines at 45 and 90 degrees.
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One leg of the triangle has dimensions
marked on its face in inches.
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Another leg of the triangle has a raised
ridge on the top and bottom which allows it to be butted
to the work piece.
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The longest side of the right triangle,
also called the hypotenuse, contains degrees that are
marked on it. (zero to ninety) These degrees help in
measuring and marking miter cuts.
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Typically made of cast aluminum.
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Available in two sizes. The smaller
size is seven inches on a side (the hypotenuse is just
below ten inches). The larger version is twelve by twelve
by seventeen inches.
Combination Square
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A woodworking tool used for multiple
purposes.
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Used to lay out 45-degree and 90-degree
angles.
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The stop is adjustable along the blade
for use as a depth gauge.
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Can be used as a try square, to determine
the degree of a square piece of joint. It can also be
used as a saw guide and as a level.
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Cost will vary depending on the quality
you are looking for. The more expensive models also
com equipped with a protractor head, for marking and
measuring angles, and a center head, for locating the
center of a circular or cylindrical work piece.
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