In Fine Woodworking #175 (p. 34) we reviewed Starrett’s 12-in. ProSite protractor (No. 505A), invented by trim carpenter Marc Shapiro. It was designed to take readings for miter cuts, and then to transfer them to setups on a miter saw or tablesaw miter gauge. A new, smaller version (No. 505A-7) was designed to perform the same tasks, but in many ways it’s more convenient. Lighter in weight and shorter in length, this tool has the same dual scales for reading miters and automatically bisecting them, but the 7-in. length gets into tighter spaces and fits comfortably in your back pocket.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Lie-Nielsen No. 102 Low Angle Block Plane

With smooth, precise adjustments and wonderful balance, this compact block plane is a joy to use. It doesn’t have any bells and whistles, but there’s not a better block plane available for the money.

Buy at Direct

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Precision Square

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

Buy at Lee Valley