New Woodworking Square Needed

[DR Buck]

I'm in the market for a new larger precision woodworking square.  By precision I mean one that is actually square out to the end and remains that way over time.    I'm looking at a minimum of a 12" square but would consider one up to 18"  (wish 15" was a standard size).    The best square I own is an 8" Woodpecker Tools square, but a lot of times its a PIA because its not long enough when I'm wanting to mark or check stuff up to 12 to 14 inches wide.     I really like the quality of Woodpeckers, but the cost is sometimes painful.   Right now their 12" is on sale for $99.   The next size up is 18" and its $169 and its on back order.     Although a larger one would be nice when I'm making 14" wide shelving but in the long run I'd probably use a 12" one more so I'm leaning that direction.  

Are there any other decent brand squares I should be looking at?          

[Larry]

Old made in the USA drafting triangles are very accurate and stay that way.  12, 14, and 16" drafting triangles used to be abundant and cheap on ebay.  I just did a search and not much to be found today.  I have one hanging on the side of my Unisaw that I use all the time.  Don't even think about one made in China.  They are horrible.

Starrett along with Brown and Sharp make fine combination squares but can loose accuracy when dropped.  I keep a machinist square in a drawer and its only use is to check other squares.

An old framing square can work well for woodworking.  If its not square, it can be adjusted by hitting with a center punch at the apex.

[boonesyard]

I was just dealing with the same dilemma. I Just bit down and ordered the 12" woodpecker myself. Researched a ton of stuff, really wanted their stainless steel one with holes, but the $149 price tag just pinched too hard. Woodpeckers cost is crazy high, but the quality can be counted on. 

[firefighter ontheside]

Lots of cheaper squares out there, but I think for precision squareness I would go with the woodpecker.

[Dan_Shade]

Is the woodpecker aluminum?

I have a few of these: 

Swanson Tool Co SW1201K Value Pack 7 inch Speed Square and Big 12 Speed Square (without layout bar) ships with Blue Book - - Amazon.com

[DR Buck]

Is the woodpecker aluminum?

I have a few of these:

Swanson Tool Co SW1201K Value Pack 7 inch Speed Square and Big 12 Speed Square (without layout bar) ships with Blue Book - - Amazon.com

Yes, its aluminum.    I also have several of the Swanson speed squares, one 12" and 2 of the 6" ones and one of those has the corner broke off.  :-\  

I did break down and order the 12" Woodpeckers square.   



 

[Brad_bb]

I have two of the Lee Valley stainless steel made in japan framing squares.  With two you can check them against eachother.  While the markings may not be as easy to read as some aluminum anodized squares, they are stainless and won't rust and are still heavy enough to help not move.

[SwampDonkey]

My go to place is always Lee Valley. 8) I have a 12" Starrett premium square (0.002" precision) for board cutting and a 36" straight edge, both SS with some substance and accuracy.  Last for generations.  Their Japanese SS layout square is great to, you have a 90 and a 45 on it, great for machine set up and such to.

[DR Buck]

I didn't mention it before, but the one thing I really like about the Woodpeckers squares is the edge or ledge that holds it flat and level on the board where its being used.    Not all of the manufacturers have this feature.

[21incher]

I am tough on squares and just bought 1 certified machinist square and use it to square up all the ones I use. One drop on the floor can even throw off a good square.

I have two of the Lee Valley stainless steel made in japan framing squares.  With two you can check them against eachother.  While the markings may not be as easy to read as some aluminum anodized squares, they are stainless and won't rust and are still heavy enough to help not move.

I have been look at that Japanese square and really  like how they flex. I am going  to order one now knowing they work good for you. Thanks. 

  

[kantuckid]

I use a combo of large squares, smaller squares alu for carpenters, woodworking square made for cabinet work and 12" Starrett squares from my millwright mechanic days along with their angle setups and "Y", centerfinder thing too. My old Stanley woodworkers sq is never gonna wear out unless I drive over it. Ebays full of old ones.