Try square uses do not differ significantly. In fact, try square is a woodworking tool used in marking and checking for 90-degree angles on wood pieces. Although woodworkers use various types of measuring tools, try square is undoubtedly one of the most commonly used marking tools in woodworking.
The name try square comes from the concept of trying the surface (checking for straightness or correspondence to adjacent surfaces). Additionally, the square in the name refers to the tool’s 90-degree angle. Using a try square is relatively easy, even for a newbie.
What Are Try Square Uses?
A try square can be made from wood or steel, or at times it might incorporate a wooden handle and a steel blade. The blade features either imperial or metric graduations or, at times, a combination of both systems. So, what are try square uses? Try square are mainly used for;
- Assessing both edges and ends of boards to check whether or not they are in line with the adjacent surface.
- Assessing flatness.
- Measuring relatively short distances on a surface.
- Laying out lines perpendicular to the side or edge of a board.
- Assessing thickness or width of a narrow board
- Checking cuts.
- Assessing final work.
- Confirming various alignments of the board.
You should note that, for your try square to remain accurate, you will need to take good care of it and avoid dropping it.
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How to Use a Try Square
Before using your try square, you will need to ensure that all square angles, both interior, and exterior, are in perfect right angles. If you suspect your try square not being accurate, you can test it before using it. To do that, you will need a board with a perfectly straight edge and then follow the following steps;
- Take your try square’s stock and place it against a straight edge of a wide enough board and make a line with a pencil.
- Once that is done, turn your try square over and hold the stock against the same straight edge and move your blade to the line you had marked previously.
- If your try square is accurate, the blade’s edge and pencil line will coincide perfectly. If not, then your try square is faulty.
If you find your try square to be in perfect shape, you can go ahead and use it by following these tips;
- Place your try square’s blade flat against the material you would like to mark or test. The thickest part of your handle has to extend over the board’s edge. Doing so allows the blade to lie flat across your board.
- With that in place, hold the try square’s blade firmly against the material’s edge. Now, your blade will be set at 90 degrees angle compared to the board’s edge.
- Look for the point you would like to mark on the board by adjusting your try square to suit your needs. Use the edge of the blade to draw a straight line across the board. To assess the alignment of the board, align your blade with the end of your board and ensure the corner of the board lines up with your try square’s corner. If you find a gap between your try square and the board, the board is not square.
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What Is The Accuracy Of A Try Square?
Try square uses rely on their accuracy, and as a result, they are known to be very accurate, especially when they are in excellent condition. The accuracy of a try square is approximately 0.002mm per 10mm length.
This accuracy of measurement is accurate enough for any workshop tasks or projects. The ingenuity used in designing a try square makes it a perfect measuring tool for woodworking and for achieving top-notch accuracy with ease.
Parts Of Try Square
Although squares are available in different types, they all comprise two essential elements; blade or beam and head or stock. The heaviest section made of either steel or wood is often referred to as the stock. Some stocks incorporate moveable parts along the beam, while others are fixed and rigid. Understanding the parts of a try square makes it easy to work with the tool. Here are some of the main parts of a try square;
- Head or stock. As stated earlier, the heaviest part of a try square is known as the stock or head, and it is often used in registering a square to a straight edge. When anchored firmly in place, the bean will project 90 degrees with ease.
- Beam. A beam is a thin plate of steel or wood in some cases that extends from the stock at a 90-degree angle. Depending on the type of try square you are using, a beam can be made from tempered or hardened steel, and it can also be made from flexible spring steel, depending on the steel’s thickness.
Generally, incorporating a moving part in a try square creates tolerance that often allows or creates inaccuracies while working on a project. On the other hand, a fixed component on a try square offers no such movements. Fixed joints on a try square are often recommended for use among novices for enhanced accuracy. However, you might also consider using a try square with moveable parts if it best suits your needs.
Mastering try square uses will help you achieve perfect 90 degrees and straight lines with ease. Therefore, before using your try square, you will need to ensure it is in excellent condition by performing a small test as aforementioned. Additionally, to correctly use a try square, you will have to follow the tips discussed above.
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As a woodworker, you should not assume that a board features right-angles even if you have just bought it straight out of the shop. By doing so, you will defeat try square uses. As we conclude, we hope that you have found this article beneficial and found the answer to the question of what are try square uses?
