Recommended Measuring Tools (Esp. squares and 45 deg things)
- Thread starter billw
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Thanks, At that price, I will get one.
Currently for measuring curved things (I do a lot of metal rolling and edge bending), I use Ikea paper rules. I still have a stock from my last visit. That device will be ideal for that.
bp122
Expert at Jibber-Jabber
I got a Starrett 300mm combination square bought from Workshop Heaven. It was the first thing I bought for woodworking.
As @smackie says, it is bang on and I use it for 99% of things. But a year later I found a used 3 piece combination set from Moore and Wright for £20 on eBay. It was a bit grubby but I cleaned it up. The rule (which is metric -Imperial combo) has oxidation stains (don't know how to get rid of that) and some pitting. But comparing it with Starrett, it is built slightly better. The casting is thicker, nicer and heavier, the screw is great and the accuracy is bang on.
Not bad for something that was battered to hell and cost a fifth of the Starrett!
But for small stuff I use a non graduated engineers square, 75mm.
For other measurements I have a Mitutoyo calipers (nuff said!) And an old Moore and Wright micrometer. Plus one 1000mm steel rule but never really used it since I bought it for a fiver at an antiques auction (my mate runs the place!) It looks proper quality though.
I do have a cheap laser measurer for anything larger.
As @smackie says, it is bang on and I use it for 99% of things. But a year later I found a used 3 piece combination set from Moore and Wright for £20 on eBay. It was a bit grubby but I cleaned it up. The rule (which is metric -Imperial combo) has oxidation stains (don't know how to get rid of that) and some pitting. But comparing it with Starrett, it is built slightly better. The casting is thicker, nicer and heavier, the screw is great and the accuracy is bang on.
Not bad for something that was battered to hell and cost a fifth of the Starrett!
But for small stuff I use a non graduated engineers square, 75mm.
For other measurements I have a Mitutoyo calipers (nuff said!) And an old Moore and Wright micrometer. Plus one 1000mm steel rule but never really used it since I bought it for a fiver at an antiques auction (my mate runs the place!) It looks proper quality though.
I do have a cheap laser measurer for anything larger.
bp122
Expert at Jibber-Jabber
Did you double check how many 'r's and 't's it has in its name?I managed to get a Starrett square that has a 45 degree facility for a fiver off Amazon. Made in China obviously. Sort of wondering how "Starrett" it is
bp122
Expert at Jibber-Jabber
I agree, I mean the wood probably moves more than what's being talked about right?
Awac
Established Member
What's a mm? I use cubits and barleycorns myself... Now if the Egyptians could build a pyramid with the point of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger of the outstretched hand...
Now if the Egyptians could build a pyramid with the point of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger of the outstretched hand...
Awac
Established Member
Fan of the cheap orange Bahco myself....
Surprised nobody has mentioned the Nobex Octo folding squares. For a multi angle square they are beautifully made and totally reliable. A metric scale on the lower edge is handy and of course they fold flat to go into a pocket.
I have the 300 and 400 mm squares. Lovely to look at like a lot of things in Sweden.
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