Speed Square
The first thing you'll notice about a speed square is the fact that it's not actually a square, it's a triangle. A right triangle to be exact. This tool is meant to help square two planes or find angles and mark lines. This tool is extremely versatile and will come in handy in all different situations. You'll notice a speed square has three different sides. The thick side has a "fence" that can be hooked on the edge of material. The other short side has length measurements and the long side has degrees.
The main use for a speed square is to quickly and easily draw cut lines. Cut lines are the guides that you will later cut on or drill through. Whenever you make a cut with a Circular Saw you should have a speed square. After you measure and mark a piece of lumber to be cut, use a speed square to draw the cut line across the entire piece. If you want a 45 degree cut you can trace the long side of the speed square, just make sure you are taking your measurement, aligning your square, and putting your mark on the corresponding sides.
Another use is for building anything with intersecting planes. Keep in mind that a Speed Square usually pretty small. This means it wont be accurate for squaring longer material. For example, if you're building a deck and need to square the joists to the ledger. This is the wrong tool. But for smaller applications like, building a small box or fixing a racked cabinet this will do just fine.
Tool Basics
The main use for a speed square is to quickly and easily draw cut lines. Cut lines are the guides that you will later cut on or drill through. Whenever you make a cut with a Circular Saw you should have a speed square. After you measure and mark a piece of lumber to be cut, use a speed square to draw the cut line across the entire piece. If you want a 45 degree cut you can trace the long side of the speed square, just make sure you are taking your measurement, aligning your square, and putting your mark on the corresponding sides.
Another use is for building anything with intersecting planes. Keep in mind that a Speed Square usually pretty small. This means it wont be accurate for squaring longer material. For example, if you're building a deck and need to square the joists to the ledger. This is the wrong tool. But for smaller applications like, building a small box or fixing a racked cabinet this will do just fine.
Tool Basics
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