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

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

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.