Reddit reviews Combination Square
We found 6 Reddit comments about Combination Square. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
With reversible lock bolt, scriber, spirit levelGraduation: No. 4R - 1/8", 1/16", quick reading 1/32", 1/64"Cast iron head with black wrinkle finishSquare blade easy-to-read, sharp graduationBearing surface is accurately groundCast Iron Head with black wrinkle finish12-inch hardened steel, machine divided bladeReversible lock bolt, scriber, and spirit levelGraduation is 8ths, 16ths--quick reading 32nds, 64thsThe value of Starrett Tools is that they are accurate and will last
I recommend going slow with hand tools. Buy them one or two at a time, and then learn to use, sharpen, and care for those before buying more. This will help you get the best stuff for you while spending as little as possible. Let your projects guide your tool purchases.
Amazon isn't a great place to buy hand tools. Most people shop at either Lee Valley, Lie-Nielsen, or eBay for planes, chisels, saws, rasps, etc. That said, there's a surprising amount of stuff you'll need that's not the tools themselves. Personally, I wouldn't want to saddle myself with an inferior tool just to use a gift certificate.
Anyways. Stuff you SHOULD buy on amazon:
Hand Tools
Clamps
Measuring/Marking
Sharpening Gear
Consumables
Safety Gear
You should check to see what he already has but my suggestions
Non-mobile: Starrett Combination Square
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
I actually already have an empire 12 inch already but it's like a degree off. Yeah the starrett ones are sweet but really pricey. I think I may as well invest in it, if I can only afford one would this be a good option?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002CSBNO/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_bWABub16GPKRE
Or should I go with the other style?
Ooh and the saw is an old Atkins I don't really know much about it. It's like three feet long I think.
Excellent. In that case, you're better off with a gift card to rockler or woodcraft. Because some of the smaller things you can buy at that price range can really be a hit or miss based on what she has and/or her skill level or interests. I'd suggest a starrett 12" square but that might not be the right tool bc she may not care about that level of precision and a regular $15 square from home depot might be enough for her. That being said, Idk of a single woodworker who would not be happy with a starrett square if they don't have one already. haha.
If one is so inclined, they can make most of their own tools...
... but how many hobbyists in this sub are running Festool stuff or cabinet saws for 4 hours a month. Every day I see a "look at my new $1000 toy, how do I make a cutting board" post.
It's not really that major of an expense. This one here is about the same as mine and is only about $80. Realistically one half the size would be more than sufficient for most people. Most table saws will only expose 3-1/2 to 4" by about 6" of blade anyways. A Starrett Combination Square is $77 on Amazon, so it's not like it's a crazy expense.
I do agree with you overall that it is far beyond the precision you need for woodworking. I wouldn't dream of trying to cut joints to the thousandths of an inch. You'd come back the next day and the board would have grown/shrunk. Hell, the "ground" versions of these things are insane and belong in the inspection department of a precision machine shop.
For machine setups, however, I don't think it's a big deal to go a little overboard on precision. A well adjusted tool is like a well adjusted person... Less likely to hurt somebody.
Of course the best reason to have something like this... Sometimes you just need a 40# weight. Don't you want one with a nice handle? ;-)