Checking for interest in a large precision carpenters square

[wow]

First, I guess I should make it known that I was for several years the general manager of Performax Tools (the drum sander company and precursor to today's SuperMax Tools, not the chinese crap that carries that brand today). I am quite familiar with extrusions and manufacturing. I mention this to establish a little credibility for what comes next.

I have been thinking a lot about options to manufacture a large precision carpenters square, and have investigated some possibilities. Here were my original ideas:

[attachthumb=#]

I am now thinking that I would make them 48" on the long edge from where they would be placed against the edge of your sheet good. They would be precision laser cut (tolerance of around .005" over the length) out of 1/4" T6061 aluminum or similar material. They would be available as either plain (unfinished) aluminum or anodized, depending on the general consensus. I believe I could produce the 'L' model for sale at around $150-$200, and the 3-legged model for about $50 over that.

With that said, would anyone have an interest in such a product? I could probably produce as few as 50 and attain these prices.

Please let me know your thoughts, suggestions, concerns, etc. This could well become my next business venture if people think they'd sell?

 

[rst]

Great idea, I bought one of the folding 345 squares.  It's fine for regular construction layout, but the long leg is actually 1/8" under, so is not truly square.  I do commercial glazing and plexiglass fab and currently use a glass cutting square but there is not sub for metal (these are polymer)

 

[Peter Durand]

First, I guess I should make it known that I was for several years the general manager of Performax Tools (the drum sander company and precursor to today's SuperMax Tools, not the chinese crap that carries that brand today). I am quite familiar with extrusions and manufacturing. I mention this to establish a little credibility for what comes next.

I have been thinking a lot about options to manufacture a large precision carpenters square, and have investigated some possibilities. Here were my original ideas:

[attachthumb=#]

I am now thinking that I would make them 48" on the long edge from where they would be placed against the edge of your sheet good. They would be precision laser cut (tolerance of around .005" over the length) out of 1/4" T6061 aluminum or similar material. They would be available as either plain (unfinished) aluminum or anodized, depending on the general consensus. I believe I could produce the 'L' model for sale at around $150-$200, and the 3-legged model for about $50 over that.

With that said, would anyone have an interest in such a product? I could probably produce as few as 50 and attain these prices.

Please let me know your thoughts, suggestions, concerns, etc. This could well become my next business venture if people think they'd sell?

I would buy the anodized L.  Let me know.

Cheers,

Peter

 

[wow]

So RST, would you prefer the 'L' or the triangle style? So far there's one vote for the 'L' style. Not quite the response I had hoped for, but it's not a cheap item and maybe there's not enough need for people to jump on it...

 

[bkharman]

You should start a polling thread. Probably an easier way than looking at responses. A lot of people on the FOG don't reply, but the poll is just a click.

Might have better luck.

 

[tiralie]

Please let me know your thoughts, suggestions, concerns, etc. This could well become my next business venture if people think they'd sell?

I am not sure how this is different than several other large squares like the Woodpecker or even Chappel squares out there. Maybe I missed something...
Have you looked into Kickstarter to fund this?
Tim

 

[wow]

am not sure how this is different than several other large squares like the Woodpecker or even Chappel squares out there. Maybe I missed something...

I have not found a high-quality metal square with a 48" leg in any of my searches. I don't see that Woodpecker or Chappel offer them either. Maybe *I* missed something?

 

[Paul G]

I might be interested in something more along the lines of a precision 'T' shaped drywall square. But to be frank I don't know you, no actual product to see, no reviews, etc, etc so impossible to commit. I can fully appreciate the challenge of trying to assess the demand for a product before sticking your neck out building it, I might be the only person interested in a T shape and that wouldn't pay the bills.

 

[wow]

I might be interested But to be frank I don't know you, no actual product to see, no reviews, etc, etc so impossible to commit.

That's why I am only asking about interest and not asking for orders or deposits.

I might be interested in something more along the lines of a precision 'T' shaped drywall square.

If the 'T' shape was such that the short end of the 'T' was the same width as a Guide Rail - so it didn't interfere with the cut of a TS if the guide rail was pushed up to the long leg of the square to quickly pull a straight line - would that meet your needs? If my explanation doesn't make sense I can do a quick drawing to help visualize it...

 

[Paul G]

I might be interested in something more along the lines of a precision 'T' shaped drywall square.

If the 'T' shape was such that the short end of the 'T' was the same width as a Guide Rail - so it didn't interfere with the cut of a TS if the guide rail was pushed up to the long leg of the square to quickly pull a straight line - would that meet your needs? If my explanation doesn't make sense I can do a quick drawing to help visualize it...

Makes perfect sense and would make quick cut alignment easier placing the end of the leg at a cut mark

 

[rst]

Triangle would be most likely to stay accurate long term.  Also should be 50", many industrial products and plastics are oversize so as not to lose the kerfs.

 

[wow]

Triangle would be most likely to stay accurate long term.  Also should be 50", many industrial products and plastics are oversize so as not to lose the kerfs.

RST:

There is minimal cost difference between 48-52" or so. Consider your comment noted and incorporated. And thanks for taking the time to post!

 

[Bhend18]

I would be more interested in the triangle version. I would want the long term reliability of it staying square.