I thought I had already written about three of the compasses that I use in my shop but I can’t find the article or the images and now I find myself wondering if I dreamt about writing articles that don’t exist?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Here is a compass that travels with me to every job inside My Red Toolbox. Bouncing around in my truck box, this compass requires reassembly before use but it’s precision adjustability is just the reason I prefer this one.

Since I’m baffled by the absence of any previous reference to a compass on this site I’m going to keep this short and go look for those pictures. Whoever made this compass neglected to mark it and they are sold under different names, Including General Tools.

Links:

General Tools 842CP Pencil Compass Divider And Scriber

– A better quality tool is the 8″ Compass by Treeline.

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In the photo below are three of my 7″ Speed Squares; A Swanson, a Johnson and an Empire. Hopefully thinking the Swanson Speed Square is the original is not just another reflection of learning carpentry in California.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Experience:

I think the Speed Square presents a ‘Chicken or The Egg’ question. Which came first; The Speed Square or the Possibilities. Either way a Speed Square is one of the top 5 essential tools in a carpenters belt so I rated it a five. I’ve used it every day since day one. The first one I owned was the Swanson Speed Square and I still hold this favorable to the sharper edges on the knock-offs.

After you repeatedly use your speed square to dust off foundations before dropping on the sillplate you can fix any indiscretions with a file. It’s amazing how many uses other than marking and layout you find for these: holding up a door whle you mark for hinges, or wedged under a door to hold it open or to keep it closed. How about when you can’t find or reach your hammer, even though you know you shouldn’t, use it to start a nail or tap a piece into place? I’ve dropped, thrown, frozen, left out in all weather, used the same one for ten years, dropped one forever into a wall system and still I probably don’t even know how to use this tool to it’s extent. I’ve built some pretty impressive things over time and it doesn’t take too much more than a square that deals with angles to get tricky things done. I think the Speed Square should probably be sold with a Bevel Gauge. Together they make Architecture happen.

Links:
The Swanson Tool SO101 7-inch Speed Square at Amazon.com

I’m the guy they made the tape measure for. Seems like measuring is all I do. I measure so often, I hang my tape squarely between my legs. Seems like everyone I know uses a different tape but I’ve stuck with the same Powerlock for ages. I don’t mind the newer Stanley 33-525 but I still buy the same old tape for a few reasons.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Specifications:

• 25-foot by 1-1/4-inch tape rule with belt clip
• Easy-to-read lockable yellow blade graduated in 1/16-inch
• High impact ABS case; Mylar-coated blade; heat-treated spring for repeated use
• 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings
• 13.6-ounces; 11-foot standout; limited lifetime warranty

Experience:

20 years of construction. I like the 33-425 Powerlock over any other. Smaller tapes fall out of my Occidental Tape Holder. I do have another tape that is nice and that’s the FastCap ProCarpenter Tape. I keep a few FastCap tapes in my truck but I carry the Stanley 25′ Powerlock in my belt and also use them in my shop.

Comments:

I may be one of the few guys to stick with a 25′ tape for weight savings but that’s the reason my favorite tape measure is not longer. I find the FatMax tape too fat for carpentry and the PowerLock just right for all phases. I know the specs say “11′ stand-out” but that’s just ridiculous.

links:
Stanley 33-425 Powerlock 25-Foot by 1-Inch Measuring Tape

Stanley 33-525 25-Foot-by-1-Inch PowerLock Tape Rule with Blade Armor

Many manufacturers offer combo squares in a variety of materials but the tool remains the same. One of my favorite tools in my belt, which I’ve carried for years, is the 6″ combo square. Sure, I use larger combo squares regularly but the 6″ is in my pouch ready for gauging and marking at any moment  …those moments come all day long at my job.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Experience:

I’m rating this tool on a tool basis not a particular company model. I’ve owned several 6″ combo squares, losing a few and killing a few others. Today I carry a, five year old, aluminum model to cut down on weight. Lol, the older I get the less I feel like carrying.

The predominant use for this one? Probably marking lines 1/4″ to 2″ from an edge. Setting reveals, laying out cuts, marking position for next layer of trim, marking lots and lots and lots of cuts and setting more reveals. I don’t think I’ve ever used the level function, or used it to check square. It’s a depth gauge in my pocket. Layout! Get one if you don’t carry one around already. Most of my friends do and we all like to talk about our 6″ combo squares. Plus, it would probably be pretty dangerous if thrown.

links:

Here are 4 different 6″ combo squares from least expensive at $7 to most expensive at $70.

Swanson 6-Inch Combo Square

Empire Level 6-Inch Pocket Combination Square

6” Precision Combo Square with Center Head

Starrett 6” Combo Square

A Keuffel & Esser Tape Measure was included in the 1939 World’s Fair Time Capsule.

Condition:

My Keuffel & Esser Antique Tape Measure is missing the first inch, which is not uncommon of used cloth tapes. Come to think of it, it’s not altogether uncommon of all tape measures. How many Powerlocks have I tossed? The leather is in great condition, the cloth tape is missing the first inch and the mechanicals work fine.

Experience:

When I moved to New England my neighbor was 95 years old. Out of kindness, I would stop in and help her with simple tasks like putting in the air conditioner or fixing the TV antenna. I patched a drafty window and fixed her front door and other handyman help. One day she asked me, since I like tools would I like to have her father’s toolbox? Of course I said yes and since then some of his turn of the century tools have merged into my everyday life. Others have brought new skills and some sit on a shelf. There were so many tools in his old wooden box that I still haven’t discovered them all.

J. Laing was an Upholsterer and his toolbox contains the specialized tools of an upholsterer in the early 1900′s, including this Keuffel & Esser Tape Measure.

A bevel gauge has been an essential tool in my carpenter’s belt. I don’t know how old this one is but I can tell you it’s been around the block and then some. The way this tool sticks out of my pouch means it has gotten caught on just about everything I have to squeeze through on the job, be it shrubs, a crawlspace, or a joist bay.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Description:

• Durable steel blade coated to resist rust
• Select, hard rock maple wood handle
• Recessed grip area
• Solid brass end plates
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Experience:

Deciding when to use your bevel gauge is sometimes a matter of how well you know how to use the tool. When I learned carpentry it was essential for transferring so many details from existing material to new material it became a part of my belt. The T-bevel or Bevel Gauge is another one of those tools you can use without a tape measure… I have to figure out what to call processes that are reality-based operations as opposed to paper-based; Hold a board up to the opening to mark actual size VS measure opening size then measure board. A bevel gauge is great; you just set it up to an angle, tighten and transfer. If you’re curious to know what the angle is, you can check with a Speed Square.. or you can just set your saw by the bevel gauge and cut.

In combination with a good level and a speed square, angle work is easy with my Stanley 46-812 8″ bevel gauge.

Comments:

Something about this not being the most expensive bevel gauge I own makes it the best bevel gauge I use. This 46-812 doesn’t have the most rigid blade and that’s a good thing. Like I said, this bevel gauge sticks out of my belt. Sometimes it gets bent, in fact it’s almost always bent a bit but easily bent back and always straight down the edge. The wood handle is not the hardest wood and therefore doesn’t splinter. I prefer to carry this 8″ hardware store bevel gauge than I do any other I own. It looks shot but it serves it’s function of providing a straight pivoting blade for recording and transferring angles. I’m not looking for a new one anytime soon. Most expensive doesn’t always mean best one for everyday use.

Links:

Stanley 46-813 at StanleyTools.com (Products Data)

Stanley 46-813 8-Inch Solid Hardwood T-Bevel

Wow! Really one of my coolest tools. At first I thought these tools were too beautiful to use but it didn’t take me long to break them in. Today my limited edition Signature Series CT-1 Squevel is in constant use, though writing this post has brought to my attention it’s need for some TLC.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Specifications:

• Handle milled from a solid 1-1/2 lb. chunk of #360 half hard, tempered brass.
• Accurate to within 0.002″ over the 6-1/2″ blade length
• The bevel blade length is 3-7/8″ in a 90° setting.
• Identified with a special commemorative logo and signed by the creator, John Economaki

Experience:

The Squevel! Interesting name, even more interesting construction and story behind it’s fashioning.

Buried forever in the handle of each Squevel is a 1992 U.S. penny

I received my CT-1 Squevel as a gift. It is dated 1993 and bears the makers signature and edition number. Although I own a number of bevel gauges, the precision of the short bevel blade on my Bridge City Tool is reserved for a few specific tasks. As a carpenter, I carry a bevel gauge. I should show you a picture of it because it’s wasted from being a proud tool on a belt that’s been dragged from under to atop of way too many houses. The bevel gauge, a tool that works wonder. I love it.

Back to the shop and a different kind of bevel blade for a much more precise application. My Squevel sits next to my TS-2 Master Square. These are my fine woodworking tools and I’m not sure they’ve seen many softwoods. I read people collect these. Well, all I can say is, as predominately a case/cabinet maker in my shop I have a set of gouges that might as well be collector’s items since I never put them to use. All of my Bridge City Tool Works tools are put to use as often as my pencil. It’s a square, right? …and it’s accurate to 0.002″. I hope you enjoy reading a bit on BridgeCityTools.com. I got really caught up in their website looking at the incredible tools. It’s 1:30am and I’m up at 6 so now it’s your turn. I have to get some sleep. Enjoy.

Links:

CT-1 Squevel at Bridge City Tool Works – discontinued product.

Every woodworker has a few prized tools that are put to use often. A few of the finest tools In my shop are made by Bridge City Tool Works, including the TS-2 Master Try Square which is engraved with my initials, birthday and the year of 1990.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Product Specifications:

• Accuracy: 90 degrees, plus or minus 0.002″ over the blade length, inside and outside
• Blade Length: 8″ (heel to toe)
• Blade Thickness: 0.125″
• Blade Width: 1.50″
• Blade: 360 alloy, half-hard brass
• Handle: Solid rosewood, faced on both sides with 360 alloy half-hard brass wear plates, rivets are anchored in solid brass seats, both sides

Experience:

I received the Bridge City Tool Works TS-2 Master Square as a birthday present from a fine cabinetmaker and an influential person in my life. Unfortunately he died before I grew up enough to share woodworking stories, experiences and learn from him. As we talked during his last few days I felt like I was being cast out alone into the woodworking world with no teacher since we had lived on opposite coasts of America during my beginnings and I had just returned to the East Coast; “How will I learn to be a craftsman without you?” He replied, “You are going to have to go out there and learn it for yourself like everyone else.”

I don’t own a tool more accurate or more beautiful. I value these tools more than any other for obvious reasons… but still I use them almost every day!

If you like the TS-2 check out my Bridge City Tool Works CT-1 Squevel.

Links:

TS-2 at Bridge City Tool Works – Out of production.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Specifications:

• Range: 100′
• Accuracy: +/- 1/8″ @ 30 feet
• Weight: 1.7 lbs
• Power Supply: 3 AA batteries
• Self Leveling Range: 6º
• Operating Time: +30 Hrs.
• Class II laser Product

Experience:
I bought the PLS 180 for a siding job. Yep, believe it or not this level excels outdoors. On a cool November morning I set up the Pacific Laser Systems PLS 180 on a camera tripod and carried existing siding course levels around a house here in New England. Using an adjustable tripod I was able to check the line around the house as the siding went up. Typically I may have used an optical transit level for this job but it was out of commission so I bought this level due to it’s versatility. I’ve since used the PLS-180 to demonstrate to my clients how out of plumb their walls, doors, windows are. It doesn’t take a genius to see the bright line is touching the jamb at the bottom and away 3/8″ at the top.

Comments:
Awesome! The PLS 180 is not my first jobsite laser but it’s replaced my other laser levels and is surprisingly bright when used on exterior applications. It is my best laser on site. You have to push the ‘only’ button once for level, twice for plumb, three times for both in self-leveling mode and a fourth for both in fixed mode. There’s an indicator light… I just ignore the confusing lights and tiny descriptions on the device and check out the beam being cast. Again, doesn’t take a genius to make level with this one.

Links:

Pacific Laser Systems PLS180 Laser Level at Amazon.com

PLS – Pacific Laser Systems

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