Since I don’t think it’s wise to sacrifice accuracy for the sake of saving a few dollars on layout/measuring tools, I need some advice making a purchase of tools I’ll be using for layout and machine setup since I’m fed up with trying to make do with the junky stuff I’ve been using for far too long. On my “to buy” list is a measured rule (24″ or so), straightedge, machinist’s square and a machinist’s 45-degree “square” somewhere in the 5″-9″ range and I’ve got no problem at all spending a healthy chunk of dough on accurate, high quality tools since as long as I take proper care of them, my grandchildren someday (I’m only 27) will still be using them . I’ve already got a Starrett #434 combination square set and that tool has sold me on Starrett quality and I appreciate their history of producing quality equipment, but the Guaranteed Squares from Incra, as well as their measuring tools, seem to have some nice features for woodworking that the Starrett squares don’t have.
So, has anyone here used both the Starrett and Incra products side-by-side and if you have, could you give some advice to help me spend my money wisely?
Replies
I have both Incra and Starret, however the Starret is only 1 item and that is their protactor and I find it to be off by alomost 1 degree.
However I hor most items, I have heard that they and Bridge City are hard to beat.
My Incra (rulers and protractor) are real accurate but a touch flimsy.
1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go 4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
Edited 8/17/2005 4:59 pm ET by Ricks503
High on my list of "Favorite Tools For Less than $20.00" are two from Incra. Topping the list is their Incra Gauge. It's basically two halves, each with gear racks that mesh. You can most easily "set" it to any "edge distance" within it's 7" range, bit height 3" range or for stepping using it's 15" length; all in 1/32" increments.
If this wasn't enough, you can pick-up the tool a week later and confidently REPEAT that setting.
Item #2 is their 6" Incra "T" rule. It has tiny slots that accomodate a 7mm auto pencil. By choosing the correct slot to draw with, one can now easily mark-out in 1/64 ths.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled