Does Anyone else own the Veritas Saddle Square? I am curious to know what you think of it. I have one beef with it. The area that is relieved in the corner seems to be quite bothersome. They claim that it is so it can ride on a tiny burr and the accuracy not be affected. I find that it is a good place for you pencil tip to fall into, and you end up with a larger mark than intended at the edge of your work piece. KInd Of frustrating… The same thing with their dovetail markers. Is the anyone else who has had this problem?
Derek
Replies
Yup. I think that the flat edge accuracy is great but the corner is slightly bothersome. I have to trust their judgement that if the relief wasn't there that it wouldn't perform as well, as I'm sure they tested several designs, but I feel you pain. If you use a marking knife and put the blade against the side of the saddle there is nothing to fall into the hole and problem solved. Previous to owning the square I was a very sharp pencil kind of a guy, but now I'm a knife user. Honestly I find this has helped to improve my accuracy overall, so it may not be a bad move to make for you as well.
-Art K.
What type of marking knife do you use? I own the veritas striking knife. I'm not to happy with it though. Although I tend not to give new things a good enough run before casting judgement. I am cutting a few Dovetails today, perhaps I should try with it again.
Thank you for your response
Derek
My hand tool joinery instructor turned us on to the two-bladed Swiss army knife for laying out dovetails and other marking duties. It works well, is easy to sharpen, folds and slips easily into the pocket, and cost all of $12.00.
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
Put masking tape along both inside lines of the relief. Fill with silicone caulk, flatten it with your finger. After it dries, trim it square. If you don't like the result, it's fairly simple to get the stuff out of the relief cut.Regards,Ron
derek,
I tried out one of these Saddle Squares a couple of years ago, and I really liked it. Now I use it all the time. Recently, I bought the newer, longer version. I have not had any issues with the open part.
The idea of using a marking knife instead of a pencil is a good one!
You could make your own -- two pieces of wood stuck together. That way, you could put as big a chamfer, or as small, as you want.
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