Triangle vs Square

[jplemons]

Please forgive my ignorance, but I'm trying to get some basic tools for my planned garage workplace. What's the difference in usefulness between a square and a triangle? I know, sounds stupid. I'm just trying to figure I the best to buy -- the Woodpeckers triangle set or the square.

 

[leakyroof]

A lot of people like the rigidity of a triangle . They feel it's hard to go out of specs since it's not open like a square.
You also get 45 degree and 90 degree fast with just a flip of the triangle when marking a line.
I have both, smaller triangle for narrow boards/pieces, and large squares for bigger layouts.
Look at Woodpeckers for some nice layout tools.  Some of their squares are so much easier to use than a framing square since they have a lip or machined section that drops over the edge of a piece that you're working on.
This means you won't be pivoting or worrying about the square moving while you hold it down and against what you're working on. Very different than a simple framing square that just sits on the surface of your workpiece and you have to hold it carefully to prevent movement as you mark a line. [blink]

 

[mouppe]

I have both. Both are useful. The square can be used on the inside and outside of a corner but the triangle can only be used to check the inside for square.

 

[jaymon5]

i use both as well.  I mainly use the triangle for rough work because it can take the abuse of a job site.  I use squares primarily for furniture and finish work (starrett and woodpecker)

 

[GhostFist]

I know I'm going to sound like a wanker, but both are "squares". Neither are square shaped. Pointless i know, sorry. Both have their uses. A framing square has it's unique capabilities as well especially if you use it with stair gauges. I have at least 5 different types of squares that I use for different applications. If I had to pick one to start.... I'd say a combination square, go starrett. For larger layouts...it's a toss up IMO, as i said both have their uses. Maybe if I had to pick a "master square" for my shop I might go with a large scale triangular one just to check everything else off of but. it could honestly go either way.

 

[Birdhunter]

I'd start with a 12" Starrett combination square. Please don't buy a cheap alternative. You would be wasting money and getting a lot of aggravation.

Next, I'd buy the Woodpeckers 1281 12" precision square. It's a wonderful layout tool. The Starrett combination square does the same thing as the 1281 square.

Last, I'd buy the Woodpeckers 6" triangle. You get really quick 90 and 45 degree measurements. The Starrett combination square does the same thing.

Woodpeckers also has a framing square that is great for larger projects. Most framing squares are good only for rough carpentry. Woodpeckers framing squares are dead nuts accurate.

You can go a long way with the Starrett combination square by itself. There are a lot of cheaper combination squares, but Starrett is really a great lifetime tool.

 

[GhostFist]

Have you looked at chappelle squares at all? Very well made framing squares and they do bench squares now as well. Then you have Chris Schwartz's approach which is to make your own wooden squares.

 

[jplemons]

Thanks for the info!

 

[GregBradley]

We just went through this a couple months ago. The post is worth going through:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/combination-square-advice-needed/

I guess I have referred too many people to HJE as they have jacked up the price on a couple of the smaller double squares.

 

[RKA]

I picked up one of the blemished PEC combi squares from HJE last year and I have no complaints, it's a quality piece in my book.

 

[dicktill]

We just went through this a couple months ago. The post is worth going through:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/combination-square-advice-needed/

I guess I have referred too many people to HJE as they have jacked up the price on a couple of the smaller double squares.

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the "head's up" on the Harry Epstein stuff. Just received my set today, and it's very nice.

Regards, Dick

 

[waho6o9]

http://store.harryepstein.com/c/Squares.html

Good stuff.

 

[r cash]

last week I ordered a 6"combination 4" sliding 6" sliding squares from the company mentioned by waho6o9
They are blems got them yesterday made USA  around $20 each check them against my Japenese square perfect.