Starrett Combination Square, C11H-12-4R - Pre Cutting and Drilling Measuring Tool for Right Angles and Center with Heavy Duty Square Head, 12" for Woodworking, Carpentry, Machinists
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My two older combination squares were giving me readings that I was getting tired of. I chose to purchase a good square based on the Starrett reputation. It has a solid steel handle rather than being riveted. It's the most precise measuring instrument I've ever used.
It's packaged in a starrett-branded box. If you're wondering whether it comes with a protective case, the answer is no.
My home is on the northern California coast. Although the humidity is probably not as high as in Florida, I haven't noticed any rust haze in the few months I've had this square. Camilla oil is good insurance, even though I haven't used it yet.
I looked it up on the internet and discovered that it's made in Massachusetts.
Selected User Reviews For Starrett Combination Square, C11H-12-4R - Pre Cutting and Drilling Measuring Tool for Right Angles and Center with Heavy Duty Square Head, 12" for Woodworking, Carpentry, Machinists
The product is missing the Made in the USA stamp that can be found on Starrett's website, as well as a few other differences. In fact, there are no markings on the product that indicate where it was made. I'm not going to buy anything worthwhile from this site until their fraud problems are resolved.
The turn screw to tighten the ruler to the handle "worked," but I'd frequently need a pair of pliers to loosen it because it was stuck and couldn't be loosened by hand. Knowing I'm a tight-fisted person, I knew I'd need a pair of pliers to loosen it up again. I cleverly smashed the thing with a hammer on the spot to free the ruler for the last time and began my search for a higher quality combination square, knowing that I'd never upgrade as long as the Irwin "worked. " br>br>I never imagined myself using the phrase "as smooth as butter" to describe a tool, but here we are. I'll leave it to you to figure out what you want to do with it. To those who have left lengthy reviews on this tool and apparently know more about combination squares than I will ever know, here is some in-depth information. But I can tell you that the turn screw that tightens the Starrett combination square down is smooth and precise, and that it provides a satisfying grip on the ruler that my Irwin could only envy. I'm happy to report that it loosens up just as easily. br>br>After years of heartache and misery, I have this advice: The Starrett is available for purchase. Life is too short to waste it lugging pliers and a combination square around.
Now that I've finally taken the plunge, I've had my eye on this combination square for a long time, and I've tried it out with two old Stanley models that I inherited from my grandfather, as well as a newer Stanley that my kids gave me a few years ago. They work, but they have a lot of slop and are difficult to fine-tune. Now that I've made the switch to the Starrett, I'm beginning to wonder why I waited so long. Yes, it isn't inexpensive, but the quality and precision are outstanding. It's simple to make fine adjustments because there's no slop and the satin finish makes the measurement marks visible. I use my combination squares to set up my machines and to mark joinery on the pieces I make. I bought the 24" blade to go with it because I need to make marks between 12 and 24 inches all the time. 24". With the 12" blade, it's a breeze to switch out. In the shop, this is an excellent tool for measuring and marking.
Exceptional Quality; As precise as anything I've ever needed for woodworking; The markings on this square, however, are my favorite part - All of the units are in English. so that there isn't any wasted space on both sides of the rule filled with cm scales I have nothing against the metric system, but if I'm working in inches and fractions of inches, I'd like to be able to set the square on either side and see that it's set to the desired inch value. br>It's a little on the pricey side; Compared to the Swanson square, which is about as accurate but has a rule with cm and inches on each side; it's also about 1/4 the price; but the difference in size and solid weight is easily seen and felt.
It has a square shape. Other squares, on the other hand, aren't, which begs the question, "What are they?" "
2. a pleasure to use that will last a lifetimebr>br>The only drawback is the price, but that's life!.
If you're a woodworker, this is a tool you'll use frequently, so why not invest in the best? I had a minor issue with the scribe pin, which was quickly and professionally resolved by Starrett customer service. I'm glad I splashed out on this combination square.
I'd heard Starrett was the way to go, but I didn't think it could possibly be any better than the Craftsman I'd had for years. Wrong. The two aren't even close to being interchangeable. The Starett is incredible in terms of quality. This combination square is in a class by itself due to its substantial weight and smooth operation. Invest in a Starrett, even if it means delaying your purchase. Every time you use it, you'll be grateful to yourself.
Precise, simple to adjust, and simple to read. If you want to do precise woodworking, it's worth saving up for.