These triangular cutouts are usually located on the inside of the inner triangle, and fit a pencil perfectly. When you're making a long rip cut, there's little room for error! Thankfully, the speed square can help you draw a super straight line to follow with your saw. Here's how:
Speed square how to#
How to use a speed square to mark rip cuts For better accuracy on wider boards or large sheets of plywood, I recommend making a circular saw straight edge jig and clamping it down to the surface. This method works best for quick cuts on narrow boards. Hold the speed square lip firmly against the board while you slide the saw along the straight edge for a perfect cut! I like to mark that side with an X.Īlign the blade of your saw with the waste side of the line, then slide the speed square up to the bottom plate of the saw. Remember not to cut directly on the line, but rather on the "waste" side so you don't accidentally make your board shorter than you wanted. If you need to cut a straight line with a circular saw or jigsaw, this trick will help!įirst, mark your cut line with the speed square. But for rough construction, it'll work in a pinch! How to use a speed square to guide a saw However, the markings are typically thicker, which makes it difficult to get a precise measurement. You can also use a triangle square as a ruler in place of a tape measure on narrow boards. Then draw a scribe mark across the board so you can easily see where to cut! To get the most accurate markings, place your pencil tip on your measurement, then slide the speed square up to your pencil.
Often, woodworkers use a combination square to ensure the end of a board is a perfect right angle. You'll also find cracks and knots that need to be trimmed off. When you buy boards from the store, the ends usually aren't cut straight. Okay, now that we've discussed the physical characteristics of a speed square, let's talk about the ways to use it! How to use a speed square to mark a straight line For miter cuts, you can move your speed square like a protractor, giving you angles from 0 to 90 degrees. You’ll find the angles on the long side of the triangle (the hypotenuse). Using your pivot point, you can align these internal "common pitches" with your project. Common Pitch. Joists use several common angles, and these are listed in a cutout within the speed square.Using the notches, you secure your pencil and slide the speed square along the length of the lumber, giving you perfect scribe lines. Scribe lines. These notches correspond with markings on the ruler edge.On the point of the speed square, there is a small notch marked "pivot." Pivoting on this point allows you to quickly find and mark your desired angle without getting out a protractor. Lip or Fence. The speed square lip allows you to brace it against the side of the board, ensuring you get a firm hold and a straight line.This ensures that those little lines remain visible and accurate after years of use. On a good quality speed square, all markings are etched into the surface, rather than printed. Material. Most speed squares are built from aluminum or durable plastic to withstand drops while staying perfectly square.Many speed squares are about 6 inches long however, there are bigger speed squares for larger projects - some with a twelve-inch side or folding extension piece.
Here are several characteristics and features of a speed square: There's a lot you can do with one once you know what all those markings are for! The speed square is like the Swiss Army knife of measurement. The speed square is also known as a triangle square, carpenter's square and rafter square.Īfter reading this guide, you’ll be ready to place the speed square in your essential DIY toolbox. The speed square is a small triangular measurement tool that allows you to mark straight lines, find angles, and determine pitch. Please visit my disclosures page for more information.
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How to Use a Rafter Square to Find Roof Pitch.How to use a speed square to mark rip cuts.How to use a speed square to guide a saw.How to use a speed square to mark a straight line.
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