These five simple tools have surprising capabilities. Matching the right square to the task will guarantee success.
A square is one of the most essential tools in the woodworker’s shop. Whether you’re laying out a project or checking to make sure parts are aligned, you need a square. Although there are several types of squares, the five you see on these two pages are the ones I use most in my shop. All of these squares have surprising versatility in the shop, and yet none of them does exactly the same thing. Each one was designed with specific tasks in mind. And you’ll find your work will improve when using each one.
1 Combination Square
If I could have only one square in my shop, a combination square would be the one. I use mine for a variety of tasks from checking stock thickness to marking perfectly square layout lines.
By setting the handle at a particular measurement, you can quickly check the thickness of a workpiece. For instance, if you want to plane a board to 3⁄4", just set the handle at the 3⁄4" mark and lay the blade on the edge of the board. You’ll see instantly whether the board is the right thickness.
To set your saw blade at a specific height set the handle at that measurement and stand the blade upright with the handle over the blade. Then raise your saw blade until the highest point just grazes the handle of the combination square.
 Framing square |
 Combination square |
 Sliding bevel gauge |
 Machinist square |
 Drywall Square |
| These five squares will help you accurately lay out and assemble projects. |
2 Framing Square
Although this simple tool may be considered a carpenter’s tool and not necessarily a tool for the woodworker, there are several applications in the shop for this square that might surprise you. Most of the time I use this tool to test large assemblies for square. But did you know that you can make a circle with square or lay out a perfect octagon with this square? There’s also a table on this square for calculating board feet.
A quick look at the markings on a framing square may seem a bit confusing, but it’s pretty simple once you know the tricks.
3 Machinist Square
A machinist square and a try square are quite similar, but it’s easier for a try square to become out of square, since its made of wood. For this reason, I prefer the all-metal, fixed blade machinist square for use in the shop. Having different sizes of machinist squares is a good idea. Smaller ones are good for squaring boxes and larger ones can be used to test tools for accuracy.
For example, to check the accuracy of a miter gauge, you can set the gauge at 90º and lay the handle next to the saw blade and the blade in front of the miter gauge. If you don’t see a gap between the square and the miter gauge, then your gauge is accurate.
4 Sliding Bevel Gauge
A sliding bevel gauge is not really a “square” in the traditional sense. But it is similar and it performs tasks no other tool can, including duplicating and laying out various angles.
To reproduce an existing angle, loosen the wing nut and place the handle against the straight edge. Then match the blade to the adjacent edge and tighten the wing nut.
If you’re making the cut on a table saw, you can position the blade against the bevel gauge until it lines up with the angle for a perfectly matched cut. To lay out an angle with the bevel gauge, you can use a protractor. Just place the edge of the handle along the bottom of the protractor, loosen the wing nut, and set the blade to the desired angle.
5 Drywall Square
This last square is one you might not normally consider for woodworking. But a drywall square is the best tool for marking large workpieces in the shop. When cutting plywood or other sheet goods, this tool gives you the reach you need. Some drywall squares are adjustable, like the one in the photo at left, and have a protractor for cutting angles on large pieces.
To mark dadoes on facing workpieces, lay the two pieces side by side with the square laid across both pieces. It works just as well for laying out shelves. If you lay the sides of the shelves side by side, you can mark both pieces at once with the drywall square.
