Woodjoy is a relative newcomer to the world of fine hand tools. The company makes a small but growing line of spokeshaves as well as beading, measuring, and marking tools.

The Total Square is one of my favorites. This little square with a 4-in. blade is the perfect size to keep in your shop apron. But it does a lot more than most squares. The Total Square is built with various parts at specific dimensions, all unmarked. Once you memorize them, the square becomes an effective measuring device. For example, the blade is 1/16 in. thick and 1 in. wide the handle is 1/2 in. thick, 3/4 in. wide, and where it meets the blade, it has a 1/16-in. by 1/8-in. notch. Several other dimensions are built into the square, and half the fun is locating them and figuring out how they might be used.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Starrett 4" Double Square

Head is easy to remove, replace, and lock down; narrowest blade, at 5⁄8 in., made it easier to fit into tight places; hard to read under bright lights.

Buy at Woodcraft Buy at Amazon

Veritas Precision Square

This precision square is incredibly versatile, from checking squareness to dialing in machine setups.

Buy at Lee Valley

Bahco 6-Inch Card Scraper

The size and thickness are what matter here. A consistent performer, this Bahco scraper is found in many shops we visit.

Buy at Amazon