January 25, 2017

What is a Combination Square

How to use a combination square set

What is a combination square? The composition of the Combination Square consists of ruler blade on to it various head can slid along its length.

Uses of a combination square:

The basic head, one has a 90 degree face and another 45 degree face. These are to check or lay out right and 45 degree angles.

There are other heads and one very common one is a centre finder of round material.

What is a Combination Square used for:

First to create a reference surface on the material to work from, the surface must be flat. Using the ruler blade of the Combination set to check for the flatness.
Then using the basic head it can work from the reference to create right angled areas from it.
Using the 45 degree angle create miter joints.
Use the centre finder of a round workpiece.
The two cast iron legs of the centre finder with the ruler blade.
So that rests on the round surface a scribe a line across it.
Then move the centre finder to another position and scribe again.
Therefore where the two lines cross is the centre.
The basic head useable as a depth gauge.
As a result resting the 90 degree on the material.
Then moving the ruler blade down to determine depth.
Then using the locking screw this measurement can be transferred to another article to ensure it is cut to the same dimension.

Please note:
If viewing from Canada, France or United Kingdom articles selected to view may be substituted for an equivalent model if the selected model is not available in your country.

Empire Level E250 12-Inch Heavy Duty Professional Combination Square w/Etched Stainless Steel Blade and True BlueR Vial

The Empire Level is a 12” is a professional heavy duty combination square.
The stainless steel blade etched in inches.
Also has a True Blue vial for accurate levelling.
The easy readable vial has a guaranteed accuracy to within 0.0005”.
The steel blade has a matte finish. Therefore will not corrode or rust, manufactured of stainless steel.
The draw bolt is self-aligning lock the heavy duty machined head.
A hardened scriber is for marking materials.
Manufactured in the USA.
A 5 year limited warranty.

There are a number of critical reviews that indicate that quality control has not been vigil enough.

The top reviewers considered the product was value for money.

See the latest price of Empire Level here…

IRWIN Tools Combination Square, Metal-Body, 6-Inch (1794468)
B005XUHI98

For durability the Irwin Combination
square has a cast zinc body.
For rugged use the blade is manufacture from stainless steel.
The blade has black etched scales are in inches to give accuracy.
The body is in black with two settings 90 and 45 degrees.
Included in the head is a highly visible level vial.

The tool useable as a depth gauge Also is in three blade lengths 6”, 12” and 16”.

See the latest price of IRWIN Tools Combination Square here…

Kreg KMA2900 Multi-Mark Multi-Purpose Marking and Measuring Tool

This is a very handy multi-purpose marking tool.
It has a 3/16” reveal gauge and a built in level.
There are three scale positions
To trim a door allow a 3/16” offset.
To transfer measurements there is a cumulative scale.
Ideal for general layout.
Made in the USA.

This product is a comparative newcomer to the market. Conceived by the designer in 1986. When he built his house and installing some kitchen cabinets.

He didn’t want to nail them so came up with the idea of this product to fit the face frames so he could attach them without the fixings wouldn’t show.

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So the present product was the development of the original “Craig’s Jig” to the present product now available..
It has a multitude of applications for Jobsite or Household use.

Due to a number of criticisms regarding its not square. However if they look at the photo its obvious that some play in the fixing..
Those at the top 5 stars realised and used the product for what it is.

See the latest price of Kreg here…

PEC 12″ 4R 4 piece combination machinist square with reversing protractor marked with 1/32″, 1/64″, 1/8″, 1/16″

The blade of the PEC 12” hardened and tempered steel and 1” wide x 085” thick.
It is has a satin chrome finish and precision photo etched filled black foe easy reading.

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The main head is manufactured from cast iron, a spirit level is inset in it.
A centre finder is included and manufactured to the same standard.
Also included is a protractor that is reversible and includes a spirit vial.

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A hardened steel scriber is included..
The complete assembly is housed in a folded plastic case.

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The PEC product is manufactured in the USA.

See the latest price of PEC 12″ here…

Starrett C11HC-12-4R Cast Iron Square Head And Center Head With Satin Chrome Blade Combination Square, Black Wrinkle Finish, 4R Graduation, 12″ Size

The Blade is manufactured of hardened and tempered steel What is a Combination Square finished in satin chrome..
It is photographically engraved in inches with graduated steps 1/64”..
The combination square heads are manufactured in cast iron and have a black wrinkle finish.

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They have accurately ground bearing surfaces..
Also fitted with a spirit level and a reversible lock bolt.
A hardened steel scriber is also included.

Useful tips:

When locating against the workpiece remove any burs or debris.
The square must be clean to go against a flat surface.
The scriber can mark the material but on wood use a carpenter’s pencil or a utility knife.
The knife give a finer mark and is very good when marking cross grain.

See the latest price of Starrett C11HC-12-4R here…