Workshop Tip: Speed Square is the perfect guide for mitering small parts
Setup works for tiny trimming cuts, back bevels, and mitering stringing
I just finished a curly sassafras coffee table with 1/4-in. strips of walnut inlay in the top. To miter the stringing as I cut each piece to length, I clamped a Swanson Speed Square in my vise and clamped the stringing to the built-in lip on the square. Then I ran a small flush-cut saw (with no tooth set that would mar the square) against the edge. To make tiny trimming cuts or back bevels, I used the same setup to guide my chisel. This fast, accurate approach works just as well for thicker banding and other detail work.
Click here to enlarge the illustration above.
—JIM MURTHA, Lancaster, Ohio
Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #284
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Starrett 12-in. combination square
Suizan Japanese Pull Saw
Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge
Comments
I've tried to use a speed square to set miter angles on a shooting board, but have yet to find one accurate enough. They all seem to be off by 1/2 to 1 degree. Glad to see you're having success.
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