Understanding the Try Square: A Woodworker’s Essential Tool
If you have ever spent time in a woodshop or watched a master carpenter at work, you have likely seen a small, L-shaped tool resting on their workbench. This is the try square. While it may look like a simple piece of metal and wood, it is actually a precision instrument that serves as the foundation for almost every woodworking project. Understanding how to use a try square is the first step toward building furniture that is square, level, and structurally sound.
What is a Try Square?
A try square is a specialized measuring and marking tool used primarily in woodworking and metalworking. Its design consists of two main parts: a thick, wooden or metal handle known as the "stock" and a thinner, graduated metal ruler known as the "blade." These two pieces are fixed permanently at an exact 90-degree angle to one another.
The name itself is quite descriptive. In older English, the word "try" meant to test or to verify. Therefore, a try square is a tool specifically designed to "try" or test the squareness of an edge or a joint. When you hold the stock against the flat edge of a board and the blade rests perfectly against the surface, you are verifying that the work is true.
Common Usage and Functions
The try square is a versatile tool that you will reach for constantly during a project. Here are its primary functions:
- Checking for squareness: You use it to determine if a piece of wood has been cut at a perfect 90-degree angle.
- Marking cut lines: By pressing the stock against a reference edge, you can draw a perfectly perpendicular line across a board with a pencil or marking knife.
- Setting up machinery: Woodworkers often use a try square to check if their table saw blade or drill press fence is set to a true 90-degree angle relative to the table.
- Layout work: It is essential for laying out joints, such as mortise and tenons, where precision is critical for the joint to fit together tightly.
Grammar and Phrases
When discussing this tool, there are a few standard ways to use the term in a sentence. Because it is a countable noun, you can use it in the singular or plural form.
Example sentences:
- "Make sure you grab your try square before you start marking the joints on that oak board."
- "If you don't use a try square to check your corners, your cabinet frame will end up crooked."
- "I keep two different sizes of try squares in my toolbox for different types of joinery."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the try square is a simple tool, beginners often make a few avoidable errors:
- Assuming it is perfect: Over time, a try square can be dropped or damaged, causing it to fall out of "true." Always check your square against a known straight edge to ensure it is still accurate.
- Using the wrong side: The tool is most accurate when the stock is held firmly against the "reference face" or "reference edge" of the wood. Using it on an uneven, rough-sawn edge will lead to inaccurate markings.
- Confusing it with a combination square: While both measure 90 degrees, a try square is fixed and more robust, whereas a combination square is adjustable. Use the try square for tasks where you need guaranteed, unmoving precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a try square the same as a speed square?
No, they are quite different. A speed square is triangular and is typically used for roof framing and quick angle adjustments. A try square is specifically designed for woodworking joints and high-precision bench work.
How do I know if my try square is accurate?
You can perform a simple "flip test." Draw a line across a board using the square, then flip the square over and draw another line directly over the first. If the lines match up perfectly, your tool is accurate. If there is a gap, the square is out of alignment.
Do I need to be a professional to use one?
Absolutely not! The try square is one of the first tools a beginner should purchase. It is incredibly easy to use and will immediately improve the quality of your DIY projects.
Conclusion
The try square is a timeless tool that proves you do not need complex electronics to achieve professional results. Whether you are building a simple bookshelf or a complex piece of furniture, the ability to verify that your angles are true is a skill every maker should master. By keeping a reliable try square in your workshop, you ensure that every cut you make is accurate and that your finished projects are built to last.