I have a combination square that came with a centering gage (the leftmost head in the picture). How is this used? The only use I can think of is drawing a diameter line across the cut end of a dowel.
The three heads in the picture–is that why this is called a combination square?
Janet
Replies
Janet,
The centering head works to find the center of dowels and other round stock, as in repairing or extending lathe- turned legs, for instance. And it can be used to locate the center on the ends of square stock, preparatory to turning.
In both instances, it is used by drawing a pair of crossed lines in an "X" across the end of the stock.
Ray
Okay, now I see. Thank you!
Janet
Combination Square
The tool pictured here, with only one head is also a combination square.
http://tinyurl.com/2f2hmbn
I believe that it's the ability to work with 90- and 45- degree angles that earns it the title of a combination square.
Chris,
The link didn't work, but I understand what you are saying. Since it works with 45° angles, I guess the "square" in "combination square" refers to truing or aligning something, as opposed to creating 90° angles.
Thanks--I'm always interested in word origins.
Janet
Link too long.
Janet,
I shortened the link and you should be able to copy and paste it into your address bar. I also went back and changed the original post.
http://tinyurl.com/2f2hmbn
Google Starrett and Combination Square
Gawd only knows what kind of magical incantation you've got to utter to make a hyperlink appear in this forum, but Starrett: a) claims to invented the combination square, and b) says that the original had a 'combination' square and miter head.
Good luck, EH
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