True & Square

[poolhound]

A semi serious question/poll.

Lots of differing methods to keeping square. Whats your favorite or standard method or care to share tips and tricks with the group.

Jon

[cabinetman]

I had to vote for the first four. They all can play a part in the outcome.
.

[leehljp]

Like Cab, I do the first four but I grew up doing number 4 as the final say so in squaring.

[lebomike]

I do the first two. My grandfather was a pattern maker and this is the way he taught me. Been doing it this way for 40 yrs .

[jhart]

I've tried numerous ways and can't say I've really found a good way yet, but I keep on trying to improve. I think the cutting is the most difficult and many times one piece is off and throws it out of square. Will have to say that I am getting better though. A lot of helpful info from this forum.
Anyway, because of the above, I voted for "what's square?"

[AAJIII]

I have to say tht my first rule is "Start square, end square"

I always check each componet for square prior to assembly, it takes a little more time in the prep but it saves a load of time in the assembly.

It is much easier to fit doors and drawers if the unit is square.

Nothing is ever perfect so 1/32 to 1/16 out is no problem.

AL

[Lonnie in Orlando]

I use all of the first four - sometimes to excess.

But how do you KNOW the case / drawer / frame / etc is square?

I use pinch rods to compare diagonals to check for square. They've been used for centuries. I find them easier, faster, and more accurate than a tape measure.

Mine are two scrap pieces ~3/4 X 1/2 with steep beveled ends and a ledge bradded to one piece. The ledge holds the two pieces parallel.

Extend pointed ends into diagonal corners, pinch, scratch a reference mark across both pieces. Check opposite corners. Adjust case with clamps across the long diagonal until reference marks are the same for both corners.

FWW version ...
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworki...es/bw0001.asp?

- Lonnie

[ironhat]

I like the simplicity of your pinch rod, Lonnie. You do the pinching instead of a thumb screw. I wouldn't like fooling with that but I'm going to throw together one of yours tonight!

[Lonnie in Orlando]

Chiz:

Forgot to note ...

The pinch rod that I posted was made to compare inside diagonals. For outside diagonals, attach a block on the end of each rod. Cut a groove in the blocks to catch the corner of the casework.

If you mount the blocks an inch or so from the pointed ends, you can use the rods for inside and for outside diagonals.

- Lonnie

[niki]

I was using the "pinch bars" (bar measure) but I modified the ends...

I got tired from cleaning the glue squeeze-out from the ends...

[Lonnie in Orlando]

Niki:

I like the round ends to avoid glue in the corners.

Here's an idea ...
Make the round ends a little longer on one side. Then you can use the pinch bars for inside diagonals and for outside diagonals. Hook the outside corner in the slot in the round end.

We may be reinventing the wheel, but it's progress!

- Lonnie

[poolhound]

Lots of great discussions, especially about pinch bars.

As 6 folks were asking whats square should we be worried?

BTW its a regular 4 sided object with all sides the identical length perpedicular to the adjoining side (90degrees)


I thought we might have more folks saying the used the woodworker finessing tool - The HAMMER

[niki]

Thank you Lonnie

You idea is very good but, I never had to check outside diagonals...usually the outside of a carcass or a frame that I'm gluing is full of clamps and blocks...as in the pics below

Regards
niki

[ironhat]

Niki, are your rods a pair of 1 meter and the other about half of that? I guess it's not so important but I'm just curious. The rounded ends are neat as well.

[LinuxRandal]

Niki

One of your other idea's gave me one. Those triangles you built, screw some clamp plate to them and use them to make sure the cabinet is square during assembly.