Uses Of A Speed Square
- Acts as a guide for the saw. If you are using a circular saw to cut across a piece of wood, then you must consider a speed square to ...
- Scribing Lines. When making a rip cut on your lumber, you will need to come up with an accurate guideline to obtain good results.
- Pitching your roof. ...
- Protracting purposes. ...
What is a speed square used for in construction?
Among its basic uses are marking common, hip, valley and hip, or valley jack rafters, laying out stair stringers, determining and marking angles, and making square cuts on boards. Common lines made using a speed square include perpendicular cut marks and angles for roofs, stairways, and decks. The tool uses a 0° reference.
What is the history of the speed square?
The term "speed square" is a genericised trademark based on those owned by Swanson Tool Company which first manufactured and sold the tool. Albert J. Swanson invented the A Speed Square in 1925 as a carpenter's layout tool. He later founded Swanson Tool Company to produce it.
What is a Swanson Speed Square used for?
A Swanson Speed Square. A speed square, also called a rafter square, rafter angle square, and triangle square, is a multi-purpose triangular carpenters' tool use for marking out. Its functions include many of those of a combination square, try square, and framing square.
What is a speed square rafter square?
Speed Square Rafter square, speed square, triangle square, and rafter angle square are actually the same tools in spite of their different names.
What is the advantage of a speed square?
Speed Square The base of this compact right triangle has a flange that you can butt against a workpiece edge, allowing you to draw a perfectly square cut line or 45-degree miter, and to use the square as a fence for crosscutting. The diagonal edge has markings for laying out rafter, roof trim, and stair angles.
What is the simplest thing you can do with a speed square?
1:035:12How to Use a Speed Square | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut my saw blade on my line bring the speed square. Over hold it tightly against the edge. Now iMorePut my saw blade on my line bring the speed square. Over hold it tightly against the edge. Now i have a nice square. Straight cut instant fence for your saw anywhere in the field. Nice.
What are the 10 uses of a speed square?
3:2713:50Top 10 Uses of a Rafter square, aka "speed" square - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you want to make an angle you're going to set the square at that pivot point and just rock itMoreSo if you want to make an angle you're going to set the square at that pivot point and just rock it till the desired angle. So let's say we want to do 30 degrees i'm going to pivot.
What is the hole in a speed square for?
Squaring Lines The Swanson Speed Square has a diamond cutout along the ruler that allows you to square lines and make sure they're perfect. That diamond cutout can be used to make a notch, or a birdsmouth, for rafter work.
What are 5 uses of a speed square?
Usage. Among its basic uses are marking common, hip, valley and hip, or valley jack rafters, laying out stair stringers, determining and marking angles, and making square cuts on boards. Common lines made using a speed square include perpendicular cut marks and angles for roofs, stairways, and decks.
What's the difference between a speed square and a rafter square?
A speed square is also known as the rafter angle square, rafter square, and triangle square. This is a multi-purpose triangular carpenter tool that is used for marking. Carpenters use it to make the basic measurement and mark lines on the dimensional lumber, and they see it as a guide for 45 to 90 degrees cut.
How do you use speed square basics?
0:029:05The basics on a Speed square - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIts main purpose is to lay out lines very very quickly and very efficiently and accurately. So theMoreIts main purpose is to lay out lines very very quickly and very efficiently and accurately. So the first thing since it's a square it's made to bump up to the edge of workpiece.
How do you pitch a roof with a speed square?
0:071:14Finding pitch using a speed square - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to be using the common setting. Come down here to the number 4 on the common. That 4 isMoreWe're going to be using the common setting. Come down here to the number 4 on the common. That 4 is a 4 to 12 pitch. Now the speed square will also tell you what the degrees are.
How do you use a speed square for stairs?
2:015:06Swanson Big 12 Speed Square for Stringers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's adjustable of course the stair string or I'll be doing is going to have seven and a halfMoreAnd it's adjustable of course the stair string or I'll be doing is going to have seven and a half inch rise. And it's going to be 10 inches on this side if you flip it over you'll see the scale.
How can you tell if a speed square is accurate?
0:262:44Checking Your Framing Square for Accuracy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHold it straight against the edge and line up just the bottom. Hold still and draw my line. Again.MoreHold it straight against the edge and line up just the bottom. Hold still and draw my line. Again.
What are the numbers on a speed square?
Learn the Markings and FeaturesT-Shaped End: Hang this t-shaped end over the side of a board. ... Numbers 1-6 on the Side: These are inch marks and inch numbers. ... Diamond-Shaped Hole: This hole is 3 1/2 inches from the end. ... Numbers 5-80 on the Long Side: These are angle degree numbers, not inch marks and numbers.
Who invented speed square?
founder Albert SwansonThe Swanson® Speed® Square was first developed by company founder Albert Swanson in 1925. This innovative tool combines 5 tools into 1: 1.
How do you use speed square basics?
0:029:05The basics on a Speed square - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIts main purpose is to lay out lines very very quickly and very efficiently and accurately. So theMoreIts main purpose is to lay out lines very very quickly and very efficiently and accurately. So the first thing since it's a square it's made to bump up to the edge of workpiece.
How do you use a speed square as a saw guide?
1:243:19How to Make Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw and Rafter SquareYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSaw on the board. And then slide both pieces until you can see the saw's blade actually touching theMoreSaw on the board. And then slide both pieces until you can see the saw's blade actually touching the cut line you made holding the square firmly in place pull the circular.
How do you find the pitch of a roof with a speed square?
0:071:14Finding pitch using a speed square - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to be using the common setting. Come down here to the number 4 on the common. That 4 isMoreWe're going to be using the common setting. Come down here to the number 4 on the common. That 4 is a 4 to 12 pitch. Now the speed square will also tell you what the degrees are. If.
How do you find the angle of a wall with a speed square?
0:000:25How To Find An Angle Using A Speed Square #shorts #tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAngle you can take what you call a speed square. Put it on the angle. And it'll give. You the exactMoreAngle you can take what you call a speed square. Put it on the angle. And it'll give. You the exact degree.
What Is A Speed Square Used For?
We first need to know what a speed square is. A speed square is a marking out tool that is triangular and is mostly used by carpenters to ensure accurate results. There are other names that one can use to refer to this tool such as triangle square, rafter angle square or rafter square. So, in case you meet these names somewhere, they basically refer to the same thing. Notably, it has been in existence since time immemorial.
Why use a speed square for saw guide?
The speed square is suitable for use as a saw guide because it is thicker as compared to a combination or a framing square. This ensures that the saw does not slide against the speed square hence accuracy. Besides, it makes sure you are safe when working on your lumber. To avoid any regrettable mistakes, you can carry out a few practices till you are satisfied that you are good to go.
What is the degree of a speed square?
Additionally, there are wordings on the speed square that one needs to clearly familiarize with. There is the degree that outline the degrees ranging from 0 to 90. Common is basically used to show the increase that occurs over a 12-inch common rafter that is between inches 1 to 30. Lastly, the Hip/Val depicts how many inches the speed square can rise over a valley or hip rafter which is 17 inches. Also, there is a hypotenuse that lays out the degrees of the tool.
How to protract a speed square?
Because of the degree markings on the edge of the speed square, it becomes easy to protract. If you need to mark an angle of 60 degrees, ensure to place the pivot point firmly in opposition with the board that you are working on. Finish by drawing a line across the square found on the diagonal edge’s opposite side and then make the cut.
What is the best material to use for speed squares?
It is important to buy a speed square that has a heavy metal, steel or aluminum construction. These materials ensure the durability of your tool, hence lengthening its lifespan. Moreover, there are those that feature plastic construction, especially ones used for marking. Plastic material is friendly to your hands.
Can you use a speed square to cut wood?
If you are using a circular saw to cut across a piece of wood, then you must consider a speed square to garner excellent and accurate results. You can be able to attain precise 45- and 90-degree angle cuts if guided by a speed square. Ensure that the fence of whatever you are working on holds securely to the boards using C-clamps that are medium in size. Thereafter, you can glide your circular saw in opposition to the speed square and finally cut the lumber.
What is a speed square?
A speed square, also called a rafter square, rafter angle square, and triangle square, is a multi-purpose triangular carpenters' tool use for marking out. Its functions include many of those of a combination square, try square, and framing square.
What are the lines made with a speed square?
Common lines made using a speed square include perpendicular cut marks and angles for roofs, stairways, and decks.
Where is the Speed Square made?
Today, Swanson Tool Company still manufactures and distributes the Speed Square and other carpentry tools from its headquarters in Frankfort, Illinois.
What can you do with a Speed Square?
The main purpose of the Speed Square is to layout lines very quickly and accurately. However, you can also find and draw angles and circles, adjust or guide a saw, and even use it as a level!
How to line up a speed square?
Line up the lip of the Speed Square with the edge of the board so the pivot point is at the starting point of the cut.
What angle to use for speed square?
Right Angle. The most obvious use of the Speed Square is to use it at the right angle. The 90-degree angle is easy to use without needing a protractor. You can trace around it, use it to confirm cuts, and even check your assembly for perfect corners quickly.
How to adjust a circular saw?
For example, to adjust a circular saw – rest one side of the Speed Square against the side of the blade. Rest the against the bottom of the saw. Both the sides should line up with no gap. If there is a gap, adjust the blade till it disappears.
What is a t-shaped edge?
The t-shaped edge is probably the most used feature of a Speed Square. It can be bumped up against one edge of a board, and you can scribe a straight line with a pencil. Plus, you also guide a saw blade with it!
Where to place a pencil on a speed square?
On the ruler side of the speed square – place a pencil at the radius of the circle you need.
Can you use a speed square for roofing?
While you may not use a speed square for roofing, it can be used. This is a good article to understand how it works to find the roof pitch.
What is a speed square?
A speed square, also called a rafter square or layout square, has a 90-degree marking edge and a 45-degree marking edge. In this video, Tom Silva demonstrates how to use a speed square, ways to use it, and how to create your own speed square holder.
How much does a speed square cost?
A speed square costs about $10 to $20 to buy. It’s really versatile and can be used as:
How to keep a speed square close at hand?
To keep the square close at hand, hang it on your tool belt with a hook or get a specially designed Speed Square pouch. You can also custom-make your own Speed Square holder from a PVC baluster.
Who invented the speed square?
Planning a carpentry project? Quick, grab a speed square! Also known as a rafter square or triangle square, this simple tool, invented by Albert Swanson, has been making woodworkers’ lives easier since 1925, thanks to its versatility and affordability. More than 80 years later, you can still use this multitasking wonder as a scribing tool, a protractor, a miter square, a try square, or even a saw guide. It makes easy work of everything from building stairs and cabinets to measuring roof pitches to making picture frames and birdhouses.
What is the longest side of a speed square?
The hypotenuse is the longest side of the speed square. Here, you’ll see markings from 0 to 90 degrees. Once you get the hang of the speed square, you’ll find few tools quite as handy. Below, learn how to use a speed square to its fullest potential! Photo: amazon.com.
How to cut crown molding with speed square?
Need one in the opposite direction? Just flip the speed square and use the back side of the tool. Invest in a larger speed square, and you could even use it for longer cuts.
What is a lip on a speed square?
The lip —also known as a fence —runs along one of the 90-degree sides of the speed square and allows you to brace the tool against the board or surface you’re working with. Often it will have at least one ruler on it; the more, the better.
Why do you need to line scribing?
When you’re constructing cabinetry, building sheds, or working on other projects that necessitate lots of long, straight cuts, line scribing makes your job easier by letting you quickly mark exactly where to saw. When I was a kid, my dad made cut lines on plywood so fast with his speed square that I’d be boggle-eyed impressed.
Why Do You Need a Speed Square?
Rafter Squares are a versatile technical tool used for measuring anything in terms of angles and degrees. This tool is used by craftsmen and woodworkers frequently. This is definitely a convenient device that will save your time or money and offer maximum accuracy.
What is a plastic speed square?
A: The plastic speed squares are for those who want to work with lightweight tools. They can help you in marking and measuring, just like the steel speed squares. But it is recommended to use the plastic squares only if you have no other choice left.
What Are The Key Considerations For Buying a Speed Square?
Some of the widely used materials used for the construction of speed squares are metal, aluminum, and plastic. You can pick any that you like and have the graduation written properly for great visibility. When the marks are prominent, you can use any lighting condition and there will be no problem marking the things at all!
What is the speed square made of?
The next speed square that you can get is from WORKPRO. It is 12-inch in size, and it is made from heavy-gauge aluminum alloy that will allow it to last longer. It also has a steel ruler that is made from stainless steel that provides a matte finish. It provides you with a clear and easily identifiable scale.
How much does a speed square cost?
You should also consider this factor when making the final decision. In the case of speed squares, you can expect to pay a price of $ 4 to $28, depending on the speed square material. The plastic and aluminum are cheap in comparison to the metal speed squares.
What size square is best for a ruler?
A: According to experts, the best size will be a 12-inch speed square. The reason behind this is its versatility and durability. It will provide you 45 and 90-degree angles. It can also be used as a ruler and help in measuring angles precisely without any mistake.
What is the best brand to buy for speed square?
For instance, in the case of speed square, you can rely on brands named Martinez, Swanson, Dewalt, and much more.
