Framing squares are used by carpenters, metalworkers, engineers, hobbyists, DIYers and roofers. Conclusion A 12-inch speed square is most handy for cross cuts on wider workpieces, such as 2 x 8 lumber and larger, as well as certain sheet goods. Who makes the best speed square?

By now you may be asking yourself, “why do I have to do this math?” Good news! When cutting boards, you don’t. The angles on a speed square match up with the angles on your miter saw—which are also based on 0 degrees being vertical. Therefore, a 30-degree cut on the miter saw is simply a 30-degree line on the speed square. Make your mark, then make your cut. 3. How to Make Straight Cuts Using a Speed Square as a GuideA speed square is a hand tool used in woodworking and carpentry projects. Its triangle shape is well suited for marking accurate 90-degree and 45-degree lines. Speed squares are also referred to as carpenter or rafter squares. Regardless of the name, they’re all the same tool. Using a plumb bob with a rafter square as a level. When the string is at 45 degrees, the bottom of the square is level Other Markings on a Speed Square

Speed triangles are used as a combination square, try square and framing square in one. A roofing square is used to mark out cuts for rafters or any angle between 0 and 90°. You can also scribe lines and use the square to guide a saw across a board. Speed Squares Users Speed squares can be used to measure the pitch of a roof and to lay out angles from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Features offered Dewalt, iGaging, Milwaukee, and Swanson manufacture some of the best speed squares for the price. These four brands have models that span the price spectrum from bargain bin to gift-worthy. They also cover the spectrum of needs from weekend DIY’er to the professional contractor.

A speed square is actually a triangle! It needs to be light, durable and accurate. Only the highest grades of aerospace aluminium alloys are used to make the best speed squares. Speed Square Dimensions You’ll never know how you got by without a speed square once you’ve tried it out. Speed Square Construction For a few dollars more you can get aluminum speed squares. These will literally last you a lifetime. Swanson made the original, but Irwin makes one that is excellent for poor eyesight or dark conditions. The beautiful Milwaukee rafter square is extremely accurate, and they also make a 4 -1/2” trim square that I especially like when using 2x4s. Many companies make a 12” model. I use this size most often as a saw guide—more on that later.

Many of the best speed squares will also have slight recesses, making it easy to set your pencil into when scribing lines. Speed squares are typically made of either plastic or aluminum. The plastic ones are lightweight and give you high visibility. They just don’t last as long as the aluminum ones. The plastic speed squares are non-marring and ideal for use on painted surfaces like siding.In my opinion, perhaps the single most important use of the speed square is helping you make straight cuts. To use a speed square as a saw guide, start by marking the line you intend to cut across a board at either 90 or 45 degrees. Now put your saw so the teeth of the blade are lined up with the cut line. Hold the speed square against the saw’s shoe as a fence as shown in the photo. Make sure you keep your space between the saw blade and the cut line consistent. But recesses aren’t required for accurate measurements. Speed squares with precise edges, versus rounded edges that don’t lay 100% flat on a board, are a handy feature. It’s easy to mark precise and consistent lines when you can butt your pencil directly onto the edge of your speed square where it meets the work surface. Squares with rounded edges will lead to inconsistently-marked lines, depending on the angle you hold your pencil. Size options Next, a good speed square will include high contrast and high visibility markings. You will use a speed square in different lighting conditions, so it should be easy to read in different scenarios. First off, they are precision built with accurate frames. A speed square is only as good as its squareness and its ability to mark 45-degree angles. All speed squares that made our shortlist were square out of the box. Made in the USA from decent gauge aluminium alloy, they’re lightweight, rigid, and thankfully non-reflective. You get the full range of roof pitches, angles, and hip values etched and then inked onto the surface of the metal, so you know they’re not going to rub off.