Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Dec 07, 2004 02:18am | #1

   Lay it down on a flat surface that has an edge that you know is very straight. Butt it up to the reference edge that it's laying on and draw a line along the try-square's edge. Now turn the square over, so the piece that's butted to the reference is on the other side. Butt it to the edge and move it over to check the alignment of the edge that you used to draw the line, to the line. If it's open at the edge, you have less than 90 degrees. If it's open at the top, it's over 90 deg. If you plan to use it, it'll need straightening. If not, just enjoy it for it's intrinsic antique value.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
1. 
   MAnuel | Dec 07, 2004 08:46am | #2

    

   Thanks very much for the info.

                               manuel

2. 
   lwj2 | Dec 09, 2004 06:10am | #3

   I check against my Starrett square.

   You can also take a freshly jointed board, snug the square up against it and draw a line. Then flip the square over, align the edge with your line + about a sixteenth, and draw another line. If they're not parallel, it's out of square.

   Regards,

   Leon Jester, Roanoke VA

1. 
   MAnuel | Dec 11, 2004 06:16am | #4

   thanks for the info.

                  manuel

1. 
   lwj2 | Dec 12, 2004 04:43am | #5

   My pleasure. Leon Jester, Roanoke VA

2. 
   TarHeelFlorida | Dec 13, 2004 04:14pm | #6

   Am looking to acquire some Starretts. Really as good as I've heard? Which ones do you suggest?

1. 
   lwj2 | Dec 14, 2004 02:38am | #7

   I've got one with a twelve inch scale ruled in 8ths; 16ths; 32nds & 64ths, one with an 18 inch scale (same ruling), a center finder and a protractor. [This is known as a 4R scale.]I've a Mituyo (sp??) with a 12 inch scale in 10ths, 50ths & 100ths - handy if you're working from a drawing in decimal. I believe this is called an aircraft scale, might be wrong.Two came from E-bay at fairly reasonable prices, one from a local pawn shop. I had them checked at a local shop for accuracy.The six inch one is nice, I've used it at a friend's shop, haven't acquired one yet.The satin chrome finished scales are easier to read than the straight chrome plated ones.Brown & Sharpe is also very good, my dial caliper is one of theirs, Swiss made, six inch. [I got it because I had problems reading my old Stanley caliper, the dial makes things easier on aging eyes.]See: http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/groups.asp?GroupID=329http://www.brownandsharpe.com/home.asp?div=pmi_products&id=9180Regards,Leon Jester, Roanoke VA

1. 
   TarHeelFlorida | Dec 14, 2004 03:42pm | #9

   Thanks

   I'll go ahead and get them all. Guess I can put away my old wooden yardstick now.

1. 
   lwj2 | Dec 14, 2004 04:48pm | #10

   LOL. Actually, you can buy one combination square and multiple rules, changing to suit what you're doing.The reason I've got so many sets is that they were cheaper used than a new scale would have been.I'd seriously suggest the reversible protractor head, however, I find it's much more useful.The other advantage I failed to mention is the ready 45° reference on a combination square, I use that to set my tablesaw blade when I want a 45° bevel, rather that bend over and peer under the edge looking at the scale on the saw.Regards,Leon Jester, Roanoke VA

3. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 14, 2004 09:27am | #8

   Tu és português?