The Holy Grail Of Carpentry Layout Tools

The Speed Square was invented in 1925 by Albert Swanson. (He must have been a very smart fellow.) The Speed Square has been in production for nearly a century, and is made in the USA. At first glance this thing looks both complex, and simple.

I had never used one, or owned one, until I started working on my cabin last year. It was a godsend to help me figure out, and mark the roof rafter angles. (I had to consult the accompanying booklet to figure this out.) Being somewhat spatially challenged, it took me a while to get the hang of it.

The Speed Square is a combination of try square, miter square, protractor, line scriber, and saw guide. It is excellent at assisting in marking, and cutting 45 degree and 90 degree angles. Using it as a protractor any angle can be drawn.

I find myself using it almost daily, as a saw guide. It is small, and stays in my tool belt for quick access.

As a saw guide it works quickly, easily, and accurately, every time. One edge of the square has a lip on it that rests against the board you wish to cut, and the circular saw's foot plate slides across the other edge, ensuring a perfect 45 degree, or 90 degree cut.

It's amazing to me that these are so well made, so well thought out, and comes with a booklet for less than $10. As such, it is a high value item, and a tool that should last a lifetime, or more.

If used only as a saw guide, it would still have much more value than the asking price would suggest. The first time I used it, I had to wonder why I waited so “long” to get one. It is a Magic Square.

[Later, take care!]