Woodworker's Journal 2004-28-6, страница 22

Woodworker

Try Square Cubed!

As demonstrated by the series of photos below, there are three 90° angles that are found on a try square. The inside edges of the stock and blade, the outside edges of those same parts and the inside edge of the stock with the outside edge of the blade.

inside edge of stock and inside edge of blade.

Outside edge of stock and outside edge of blade.

Inside edge of stock and outside edge of biade

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December 2004 Woodworker's Journal

Using a Miter Square

A miter square is used mostly for measuring and marking corner miter joints, which means that ifs often only operating over a distance of 3/4" or so. The machinist's square and the wood-and-metal type are good for checking miters because you can offer them to the work like a try square. They are less good for marking out because you have to position the marking knife by deciding where you think the miter will fall by positioning your knife on the top edge — there is no assist. Although the Japanese miter square is poor for checking miters, it's very good for marking out because of the lip that hooks onto the workpiece. Put the point of your marking knife in the knifeline on the face of the workpiece and hold it at right angles. Slide the miter square up to it and it's accurately positioned to knife the miter line.

Sliding Bevels

Three types are available. The all-metal model in the middle has a useful feature. The curved end is separated from the straight edge by a small step. This allows you to position the bevel accurately on the odd occasion that you have to work with only a small area to land on with the end of the bevel. I find the locking mechanism mediocre. The tab is uncomfortable to tighten and it doesn't take much pressure to change the setting. The bottom level is the one 1 use. The knurled lock nut is |x>sitive and the tool is beautifully made and finished by Starrett.

45° Miter Squares

Here we dipped into not only the machinist's toolbox with the miter face on the combination square, but also the Japanese woodworker's tools.

You have to position the knife where you think the miter will faii, then slide the square to it. "Sometimes the magic works; sometimes it doesn't." — Little Big Man.

Position your marking knife in the line on the face of the workpiece, then slide the miter square to the knife.

Three types of sliding bevels.

Miter squares, foreign and domestic. Another gift from the machinist's tool bag.