I saw a recommendation for iGuaging engineer squares on another post, found on Chipsfly.com. My wife is wanting gift ideas so I browsed their site.
They sell an iGuaging 6″ double square for $20 and the Starrett 4″ model for $62. Big difference.
I know the Starrett quality, but what about iGuaging? What is the quality of their tools?
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It can be a mixed bag - for me it's mostly finishing issue. I have number of the products and while they generally perform as intended - the edge finishing can be really bad i.e. sharp. This can be really annoying for something like rules seeing a lot of hand use (btw, I only use Starrett squares/rules). For something that gets less use like the dig. protractor its ok. The digital alignment gauge is a really great tool. The digital caliper is as well.
I would say they're "ok".
I have a few digital gauges that work good, the 4" double square is sticky and the thumb knob doesn't lock down smoothly.
Don't have any, but I've heard good things about PEC.
TayTools sell blemished PEC's at a pretty good discount.
Does anyone know if PEC combo rulers work in a Starrett head?
FWIW, I’ve had reasonably good luck with PEC blemish tools from Taytools. The only disappointing buy was a combo square I bought looking to avoid the Starrett price. Darn thing isn’t square and I’ve set it aside. Found a used Starrett instead. In fairness, I never bounced Taytools about it, they might have made it good, I don’t know. Their PEC scales (rules) have been great and you really have to look hard to find the blemishes. Don’t know if the heads are swapable. I’ll try in the morning if I great a chance… but then again the issue with the PEC blemish almost has to be with the head.
I have a few of their bits - the digital depth gauge is very good. The engineers squares are excellent - fit and finish is not top notch, but they are superb value for money and great to have as a reference set for woodwork. The small one is ridiculously useful as it can get into small spaces, under saw teeth etc.
I don't think they are the best, but for cheap tools they are excellent. I would definitely be happy to buy from them again.
I am afraid I can't give any direct iGuaging experience... But, I can give a little review on the brands I do have exeperience using. I've eyed the iGuaging stuff a good bit over the last year or so, though.
There was another recent thread about cheap combo squares from Lee Valley. A lot of guys brought up a point I haven't had an issue with yet, but something I need to think about down the road. That's the quality of the metal in the head... Less quality may lead to faster wear.
I own a couple of Starrett squares (I bought all of them used). I like them a lot. They are smooth and lock firmly, etc. They are also accurate. But, new they're so expensive...
I also own a 6" PEC double square I really like. I haven't owned it for too long. But, it feels rather nice and was affordable... I also bought mine as a second from Taylor Tools. It's a lot easier to read than my old, worn Starretts.
I recently picked up a Woodraphic 12" square earlier this year and love, love, love it! https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNM93XC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I can't speak for or against iGaging. However, I can also suggest that you check out the PEC (Precision Engineering Co) product before you make up your mind. In particular, look at the factory blems that Taylor Tools sell. Great product, great price. I can't see any blemishes other than the small grinder mark they purposely put on them to distinguish from perfect ones.
I keep a 4" iGaging square in my apron and use it throughout the day. But I've always found the knurled knob a bit balky. My arthritic hands always struggle. Still, like you, I found the Sterrett too much for my pocket book. So, I purchased a 12" iGuaging combo square and found it delightful. Feels silky smooth. I would recommend it. But....as long as it's Christmas, wouldn't you really want that Sterrett on your list?
I like the Starrett combination square for its magnetic hold & etched numbers. One model has a ruled edge for height measurements. Also own a couple iGauging drafting squares for squaring boards and project corners.
I have several iGuaging tools and I like them all. I find they are the one's I reach for the most. Nice design, as accurate as my more expensive brands and priced so I won't want to hang myself if I drop the on the floor.
Santa brought me the iGuaging double square. Results were as expected. Sharp corners, the ruler was a bit sticky when I moved it. I used 400 sandpaper to ease the corners and oiled the ruler. Big improvement on those issues. However the knob is a bit sticky as Bburgboy indicated. Maybe I can get some oil or graphite in there. Time will tell if this is a problem.
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