Try square opinions?

[dwasifar]

I make these Soma puzzles:



Obviously, precision is important to make the puzzles fit together well. I use a try square to check square on the pieces as I'm working. Currently I'm using this:



Interested in opinions. Amazon has the Kapro 353:



And also Starrett K53-8N:



Is it worthwhile to upgrade? Or is this an "if it ain't broke" situation?

 

[The Bean]

I had an original red plastic SOMA puzzle and loved to make all the prescribed shapes.

 

[whateg01]

I make these Soma puzzles:



Obviously, precision is important to make the puzzles fit together well. I use a try square to check square on the pieces as I'm working. Currently I'm using this:



Interested in opinions. Amazon has the Kapro 353:



And also Starrett K53-8N:



Is it worthwhile to upgrade? Or is this an "if it ain't broke" situation?

What are you trying to fix? Is the current square not square?

 

[DaveAndStuff]

I prefer a combination square to a tri-square

 

[dwasifar]

What are you trying to fix? Is the current square not square?

It seems fine. Basically I'm just wondering what makes the Starrett and Kapro worth their money. Nicer to use, maybe. The ledge flip-out and 60 degree line on the Kapro look interesting.

Just curious really.

 

[whateg01]

It seems fine. Basically I'm just wondering what makes the Starrett and Kapro worth their money. Nicer to use, maybe. The ledge flip-out and 60 degree line on the Kapro look interesting.

Just curious really.

We have a bunch of starrett measuring tools at the makerspace. Just like any tools, you have to take care of them or they end up damaged. The two starrett try squares in the metal shop both are loose.

 

[dwasifar]

I had an original red plastic SOMA puzzle and loved to make all the prescribed shapes.

Yeah, I had one red and one blue. Really wanted the rosewood one they mentioned in the back of the booklet, but that was out of reach for a child in the late 60s. But that's why I make wood sets now.

 

[dwasifar]

We have a bunch of starrett measuring tools at the makerspace. Just like any tools, you have to take care of them or they end up damaged. The two starrett try squares in the metal shop both are loose.

Yeah. If I drop a square or knock it off the bench, I always check it before using it again.

 

[Firebrick43]

It seems fine. Basically I'm just wondering what makes the Starrett and Kapro worth their money. Nicer to use, maybe. The ledge flip-out and 60 degree line on the Kapro look interesting.

Just curious really.

I cant hardly stand a try square any more without a ledge. I don't think the KPro one would do it for me but it would be better than none.

You would probably balk at the cost of a 642SS woodpeckers

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

If my perception of size is correct, you might find the Woodpeckers Mini Square interesting/ worthwhile for your work. I imagine it would feel like the perfect size and cover a lot of surface on those puzzle pieces.

https://woodpeck.com/products/woodpeckers-mini-square

I have this in my box of tricks and have found quite a few uses besides squaring up/ checking chisels.

But other than for the feel/handling, I think it’s a “if it ain’t broke” situation - if your current square works for you.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[RTM]

I personally use a 3" machinist square, or a 4" double square for small stuff. No idea how big your individual blocks are, but I try to use a tool as small as possible to cover the work piece.

With your squares being 8", I would want to be on the 6-8" size workpiece.

Just easier handling IMO

 

[scooterbum46]

I prefer Starrett machinists combination squares - I trust them more than any try square due to the try square's 2 piece construction that can be knocked out of square. The combination style with the rule drawn into square by the thumbscrew/bolt between two supports make it pretty hard to damage in any way that affects it's "squareness".

 

[DaveAndStuff]

If I had a bunch of small blocks to square, I would bolt together two 1-2-3 blocks and check three angles at a time.

 

[neophyte]

The advantage to a combination square or the “double square” version of the combination square, is that the blade is removable, and it’s possible to tweak the slot if the slot gets out of square to correct the issues.
Epstein has decent prices on the PEC squares, and better prices on blemished PEC squares.
PEC doesn’t make as wide a variety of sizes as Starrett, but combination square can be bought in sizes from 4” to 24” , with different length rulers.
There are also similar die makers square in 2-1/2” sizes.
For traditional fixed machinist square I prefer the European unibody type made from a single piece of steel.