Now I know that a rafter square can sometimes frustrate a fine woodworker, but that conversation can be picked up in another thread. My question is: Where can i get a rafter/roofer square (old school rafter tables and essex measure on blade along with 1/8 etched scale on edges) in Steel (I only want to buy it once) and without the cheap laquered finsh on the current stanley models (it chips off really easily if you use for instance stair guages). It seems that back in my framing days, everybody had one with yellow filled markings, but the only ones i can find today that have the tables and the hi-vis coloring are Aluminum? If someone has a resource that stocks/sells them that would be great! I’ll have to start perusing e-bay to chance finding one that is still aquare after all these years if i can’t get one new i guess….
Thanks in advance!
Replies
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32587&cat=1,42936,42944&ap=1
Thanks! I still have some nostalgia for the old yellow and black stanley, but that square looks perfect. now all i have to do is cough up $50!! lol
Swanson makes a steel square that is yellow with black markings, you can find it at swansontoolco.com.
John W.
The reason they are aluminum now is because aluminum is superior for something like that. You can tune it right in to the point where it's within a hundreth of a degree accuracy with a hammer and a file and if it bends, it can be straightened -- You bend a steel rule and it's ruined. It gets magnetized and starts picking up iron filings from all over that end up scratching your work... Start doing some searches on the web for tuning a square and you'll be surprized at how you can get a $10 square dead nuts on--probably closer than a starret out of the box.
Spalt, Look for a genuine professional Framing square. Don't even pick up an aluminum 'knockoff'. Or a flat stamped modern 'p o c'
Rather, select one whose thickness is tapered (in thickness)from the corners down to both legs. (Prevents bending/adds strength/ lies flat.)
I still have my grandfather's and my son has another used by him. (great granddad.)
I'm 75, so, do the math?.
When will Americans wise up to 'planned obsolescence? and demand quality in their tools?
Just had to repair My son's fairly new Dremel tool, (Mexican)for a open winding in it's field coil (Bosch/Mexico)My original Moto tool is still working(Except for replaced brushes) and I bought it in 1955.
Steinmetz.
All the wire connections are press fitted (no binding screws no soldered connections) and made to be assembled by Cretins
Steinmetz.
Edited 3/27/2006 9:21 pm ET by Steinmetz
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