By Julie Peri–
If you have been in a woodshop or inherited some tools belonging to a builder or carpenter, you may have come across a triangular-shaped tool called a speed square. The speed square, also referred to as a rafter square, is an inexpensive but essential tool for any woodworking and home improvement task.
The main function of the speed square is to lay out lines on a surface, quickly and accurately, but it has many functions. Speed squares can be used as a ruler, to find roof pitch, mark angles, guide saw cuts, and can even be used as a level, but for this tool tip, we are going to focus on how to use this tool for straight lines and angles.
A speed square has one T-shaped edge, a 90-degree marking edge, and a 45-degree marking edge. The 45-degree marking edge has other angles indicated along it. To use a speed square to mark a perfect 90-degree corner on a piece of wood, you line the T-shaped edge snug against one edge of the board and trace the 90-degree marking edge onto the board. Similarly, if you need to mark and cut a 45-degree corner on a board, you will line the T-shaped edge snug against one edge of the board and trace the 45-degree marking edge onto the board.
If you are using a circular saw to cut the edge, you can use the speed square as a straight edge to guide the circular saw. If you need to mark and cut an angle other than 90 degrees or 45 degrees, start by marking your 90-degree line on the board first. Then pivot the speed square until the desired angle is lined up with the top of the board and trace the 90-degree edge again. You now have your angle marked and are ready to cut.
Join us in the Bay Area for some fun entry level workshops this fall!
Build a Planter Box Workshop, October 30, Walnut Creek
Introduction to Tools Workshop, November 20, San Francisco
Introduction to Tools Workshop, December 11, San Francisco
For more information about these and other events, go to: https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/workshops
Julie Peri is the Founder and Director of Dykes With Drills. https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/
Published on October 21, 2021
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