Best Woodworking Squares Reviews 2024 With Comparative Table
From home improvement projects, marking, and measure lumber for building furniture to cutting out joints that fit nicely together- it all starts by having your right woodworking tools and, most importantly accurate woodworking squares.
When you are shopping for the woodworking square, you’ll find various models and varieties of it available. Choosing the right one and, most importantly, finding the best try square for woodworking among all the types available might often get tricky. But this doesn’t have to be with you.
Because right in here, we have not only provided you with the best woodworking square reviews but apparently a comprehensive comparative chart so that you can understand what differentiates each of the squares and choose the best one suitable for your needs.
To make the task of selecting the best try square for woodworking and to get guidance on things to consider before picking the right one, you may also jump to the buying guide section added right in this article.
Comparative Table for Clarification
iGaging 4R Steel Blade 4″ & 6″ Double Square Set
The iGaging Double Square Set is a set of two squares, one in the size of 4 inches in length and the other square in the size of 6 inches length. Constructed with steel, these woodworking squares come with chrome-hardened steel blades and quiet a storage case uniquely to keep the squares in good condition after working with.
Weighing only 1.05 pounds, this set of double squares is compact, pocket-friendly, and this means these are easy to carry the type of woodworking squares. Four graduations come with this set of squares, and these are 1/64″, 1/32″, 1/16″ and 1/8″ and also, the numbers and markings are etched on it.
iGaging claims an accuracy level of almost 0.0008” per inches, and this means this set of squares is pretty much accurate adequate for woodworking projects.
All the goodness of this superb woodworking square set comes packed within a nice and sturdy carry case allowing you to move effortlessly whenever you need to.
- Small and handy square for intricate measurements
- Being small in size the squares are perfect for machine setup and to fit in tighter places
- Easy to read laser etched graduations
- No millimeter scales
- Not fit for large square measurements
- Lack of warranty information (although you may be able to avail from the manufacturer’s site)
Irwin Tools Combination Square 1794469
The Irwin 1794469 12-inch combination squares is a remarkable piece of square fit for both woodworking and varied other needs making it a perfect all-purpose square. Constructed of stainless steel this combination square comes with powder coated protective finish, which is free from rust.
The measurement scale of Irwin’s combination square is both imperial and metric, and the graduations are 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd with black precision etched marking. What is best of all about this particular woodworking square is that with this tool you can measure the 45-degree angle, a 90-degree angle, and multiple other angles too.
The unit boasts an in-built bubble level, which makes it a great multi-in-one choice for both the professionals and DIYers. The corrosion-resistant sturdy piece of blade that comes with it has years to offer in woodworking days ahead of you.
We believe that this unit offers a great value for money as it comes at much cheaper a price than the rest of the models, and that too with so many convenient features. The handle is made of plastic, which might seem poorer in terms of quality. But considering the low price, you can still give it a go.
- Protective finish, rust-free coating, and heavy-duty feel
- Multiple angles can be measured
- Budget-friendly
- Guaranteed Lifetime warranty
- Poor plastic handle
- Flipping and switching the blades in between metric and imperial units is often difficult
POWERTEC 80015 Premium Stainless Try Square
The POWERTEC 80015 Try square is 8-inch woodworking try square constructed with stainless steel and premium design ergonomics. Along with brass-bound hardwood handles, the try square is a recommended tool for both metalworking applications and woodworking professionals.
At 8 ounces, this woodworking try square is best for experienced professionals or even novice DIY enthusiasts.
This try square comes with increments of 1/8th and 1/16th, and as for the markings, the incremental are laser etched on the blade. This handy woodworking tool is easy to read, and best of all it also comes with both imperial and metric measurements.
- Hardwood handle of the square ensures a comfortable grip
- Budget-friendly
- Not fit for measuring larger lumber
- Less accurate in measurement compared to combination squares
Swanson Tool Try Square TS152
The Swanson TS152 try square is a great woodworking square for marking and measuring a piece of wood. Constructed of steel, the try square comes with hardwood handles for a comfortable grip, and at 8 inches long it is also a perfect tool for siding or fitting in tighter places.
The try square comes with 1/8-in. & 1/16-in. Gradations, reverse reading scale, and precision etched markings on its blade. All in all, this is excellent woodworking try square fit for both novice and professionals.
- Features reverse reading scale
- Limited warranty and repair service
- Not fit for a heavy-duty woodworking project
- Edges of the square might feel too sharp when working with
COMPLETE BUYING GUIDE FOR THE BEST WOODWORKING SQUARE
6 Things to Consider When Buying A Woodworking Square
Here we have got you covered with a complete buying guide for the best woodworking squares so that you can easily make an uninformed decision in selecting the right one.
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The Type Of Square
While some framing squares suitable for woodworking comes in a double set, other types of woodworking square often preferred among the carpenters are the try squares. The try squares, although it comes in the fixed 90-degree angles, is a helpful and go-to tool among many carpenters for its sheer simplicity and for checking corners and edges.
On the other hand, combination squares come with a remarkable amount of versatilities and features for ripping, mitering, or making notches and to make the task of measurement as easy as possible.
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Constructional Material
When it is to a decent quality woodworking square, most serious woodworkers and carpenters are concerned about the construction material of their woodworking square. So should you.
Why does the construction material matter? Apparently, some squares come in durable cast iron bodies, which are preferred among woodworkers for their durability and sturdiness. On the other hand, other woodworking squares are made of stainless steel material but coated in zinc treatment and protective finish which makes the square survive for years and stay rust-free even.
This is why when choosing the best woodworking squares, make sure to check the constructional material before finalizing your decision.
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Length &Size Of The Square
In addition to the construction material, you must also know that the length of the squares is also something to take into account.
Generally, the 12-inch squares are the most preferred one due to its useful length size, which is pretty much enough for standard lumber and woodworking project. On the other hand, the 16 inches one is sometimes considered less handy.
At other times, the smaller variations such as 4 inch or 6-inch squares are often considered as the best woodworking square since they are pocket-friendly and if your purpose is to cut intricate squares on your lumber.
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Graduations And Markings &Readability
How the marking increments are etched on the square matters a lot when you are shopping for the best woodworking square with perfect reading. This is because often, the woodworking squares which do not comes with proper marking increments fade away and make the tool an utterly useless one.
Most try squares provide a fixed 90 degree while others give a varied 45 and 90 degrees angles, which makes it easier to measure other angles with the woodworking square too.
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Accuracy & Preciseness
Judging a woodworking square just by looking at it is not at all a wise decision. To meet the purpose of purchasing a woodworking square, it is essential to determine it’s level of accuracy.
While some squares claim to come with an absolute accuracy level, for instance, you’ll find the product’s box claiming the square to be within 0.0015-0.0008 other brands claim their squares to provide and mark angles most accurately.
But, how do you know for sure how accurate the woodworking square is? To determine the accuracy and for precise assessment of the square you’ll have to check it manually (which we have covered in our FAQ section right below), or else you will have to rely on the product’s warranty.
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Warranty
Just as mentioned above, sometimes it is not possible to check the square’s level of accuracy in measurement. And, this is precisely why the warranty and repair service availability of needs your extra attention when you are looking for the best woodworking square with perfect reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to check the accuracy of a woodworking square?
Answer: To check the accuracy of a woodworking square, align the tongue straightly, and draw a line along the blade. Flip the tongue and draw another line along the blade just in the same place.
Once you are done, take away the square from the place and observe if the lines are parallel. If the lines are parallel then the square is god one for giving accurate measures, and on the other hand of you notice narrow lines which are not aligned, then the square is not the right one to provide the accuracy you are looking for.
- Which one is the best try square for woodworking?
Answer: If you want to buy a try square for your woodworking project, then make sure to look for the essential features that come with a decent quality woodworking square ( as described in the above buying guide).
If you are wondering which is the best woodworking try square, then your best bet is either Swanson Tool Try Square TS152 or POWERTEC 80015 Premium Stainless Try Square.
- What is the main difference between a Combination Square and Woodworking Try Square?
Answer: The combination squares are better than the try squares for woodworking projects. In fact, if it is a single framing square you need to buy for your woodworking, then you must go for combination squares because these squares provide the added benefits of drawing both 40 degrees and 90-degree angles, which is not achievable by Try squares.
However, you may even use the best try squares as reviewed above in the way like combination squares are used for marking square corners.
- Is it important for woodworking squares to use the metric system?
Answer: Some woodworking squares come with both metric and imperial measurement systems on its ruler. However, when it about to understand whether the metric system is important or not, it really depends on the project and the purpose for which you are purchasing the square.
- Why the construction material of the woodworking squares should matter?
Answer: The material by which the woodworking square is constructed of matters in the long run. It is because sometimes the steel woodworking squares are not the right fit in metal square and measurement works. It is mainly because the steel squares come with magnetic properties and using it for metal measurements is not expected to give accurate readings.
Conclusion
By now, you must have already picked the best woodworking square and, most importantly your favorite one fit for your needs and purpose. The Irwin 1794469 12-inch combination square is an all-purpose square and is the best option. It’s constructed with stainless steel and excellent measurement tolerance, which is definitely, accurate enough for both woodworking and general use.
As for the best try square, your best bet is either the Swanson TS152 Try a square or POWERTEC 80015 one. Last but not the least, the iGauge double square set is worth paying attention to as with the set, you’ll get two rulers each of different sizes that even in high value and, which is undoubtedly going to be a great addition to your workshop as the best woodworking combo square.
More Knowledge about Squares
- Best Combination Square 2024 | Top Picks & Reviews
- Best Hook Knife for Spoon Carving in 2024
- The Best Speed Square 2024
- The Best Framing Squares Reviews 2024
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