★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ ISOtunes is a small, family company in Indiana that makes Bluetooth hearing protection for the shop, yard and everywhere else. (Support a small business and save 10% when you use this link, or the discount code: STUMPY) shop.isotunes.com/stumpy #ISOtunes #ISOtunesSport @isotunes @isotunessport *My combinations squares are from Bridge City Tool Works:* bridgecitytools.com/products/combination-squares *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) *Some other useful links:* -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE INEXPENSIVE TOOLS★ - #ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save 10%): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 -BOW Featherboards: amzn.to/430ldhv (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

you mean that little hole on the end that's been empty for years?

@OneWildTurkey

Ай бұрын

That's what that funny looking nail was in your tire so long ago.

@tom-840

Ай бұрын

Yeah, the one that my dad took the scribe out of when he gave me my first combination square at about the age of 8, and 54 years later I still have no idea where the scribe is. 🙂

I just watched some of your old videos from a decade ago, such as your Roubo bench, and let me tell you, your old self had jokes and puns for days! It was delightful to laugh so much during a woodworking video!

Wow, I always wondered why true craftsmen used them so much, now I get it. Thanks!

Missed one - the graduations are etched on good squares, so they make setting dividers to precise distances very easy by putting the points into the grooves of the scale.

@darkdelta

Ай бұрын

Didn't see that one coming! Thanks, I currently have a use for your tip!

@MrSharper802

Ай бұрын

Excellent!

Thanks for the reminders on the use of squares. Great job, James. Stay safe. Fred.

Only one tip I didn't know? I've been going to University of KZread to long~!~ Keep 'em coming, learning is contagious.

Thanks for all the tips, James! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

I've had mine for 50 years (actually many of them) and am familiar with all of the tricks you mentioned! These are truly amazing tools, especially when you have all of the "goodies" that you can get for it.

Well you have made a great case for the versatility and usefulness of combo squares. I'll have to lay my hands on a larger one. I use a 4" speed square a lot around the shop as well. Your tips are always worthwhile. Thank you!

New to woodworking, but I was in the trades. Finally a Stumpy Nubs video that I was familiar with all of the tips. I didn't think that would ever happen. I've learned a ton from this channel. Thanks

i love how you're always showing me how to be more efficient.

You really have a great talent for educating. Thank you for the channel.

Nice reminders of this amazing little tool. Thanks

Thanks James! Great video as usual. You rock!!! 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤

Good video, I've been woodworking most of my life and I learned a couple things. Thanks!

Very informative. Only two hints were new to me, the others I have used numerous times. Love these types of shop hacks. Even for the experienced wood worker like me, there is always new things to learn or refresh. Thanks for sharing.

@tbuc2920

Ай бұрын

Amen on that. Always learning but at my age forgetting has taken over.

@1a1u0g9t4s2u

Ай бұрын

@@tbuc2920 same for me, the refresh/reminders are always welcomed. Kinda like learning all over again but easier.

First off, I love this channel! One of my absolute favorite woodworking channels hands down! I know the current informational focus of the channel but I would love to see an actual build sometime in the near future! Take care Stumpy and could you tell Chip and Mustache Mike hello from Tennessee!

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

There is little educational value to showing a beginning to end build of a project none of my viewers will build themselves. Instead, I have always focused on teaching techniques and other shop-related material that can be used with any project my viewers choose.

@johnalexander2349

Ай бұрын

Edutainment.

@ChrisStCyr-gnt7

Ай бұрын

@@StumpyNubs Disagree. There is a reason I have been slowly watching your old videos, you used to build things. True, I have never build one of those projects as you showed, but I have applied lessons I learned in those builds to my builds. I know KZread does not reward build videos, but there are still plenty of us that want to see builds.

@Dennis-ud2nh

Ай бұрын

The educational value to time investment ratio is probably low, and there are enough build videos on YT already. I would recommend Steve Ramsay for learning the very basics of building things such as tables, he's great at teaching that. Also good idea to always look at alternatives such as using tenon's instead of pocket screws if it seems more fun. Many ways to build something correctly - and many ways to do it incorrectly too! You don't want a cracked tabletop or legs that come loose.

@Dennis-ud2nh

Ай бұрын

Tenons*

Thanks, I was onto this 3 minutes after release!! I was just about to make a jig that would do what I can do with the combi square. Timely advice

excellent tips. i’m new to woodworking and was just looking setup blocks but the uses you outlined were things i hadn’t thought of for using my combination square and now i know that i can most likely use it for most things that setup blocks can be used for. Thanks! 👍

❤ great video as usual

This one earned a LIKE! Great tips.

I've used all those methods over the last 50 years but it's nice to be reminded of them from time to time.

@OddJobFix

Ай бұрын

True. I thought I had tuned into 6 year old video.

Thanks for reminding me... I learned most of these in wood shop in school... Forgot most of them...

You are my mentor by the way love your shows I've watched many but you are my favorite first time I've written I haven't watched this video yet I wanted to say cleaning the blades in the bucket top brilliant I didn't have a bucket top so I used the bottom even better the teeth of the blade lock into the grooves perfectly make with a brush so much easier

Great info James. Thank you for using the correct term “ rule “.

Fireball tool has a big wide base combo square that’s pretty awesome.

Great tips James on all the ways to use a square always love watching your videos as a new woodworker always great information. Thanks for sharing

I love having half a dozen to layout multiple lines on multiple parts like doing multiple double mortise joints

Dang I learned a ton from this video (I'm new to wood working). Thanks!!

I recently bought a Starrett. Always wanted one, got it after buying every Stanley, Johnson, etc. I ever saw at estate sales. The Starrett stays in the shop, I keep a couple of the cheap ones in my toolbox.

I have a set just like that one only mine is a Starret brand. I have had it since 1978 and still use it in my shop

Great video! Nice and fast. I think ive seen just about all these tricks on your channel in the past but it was a nice summary. I bought some of the Taytools squares (a 6inch and a 12 inch) at your reccommendation a few years ago and they have been amazing. Incredible valhe.

Oh, aren't we fancy with that sleek, futuristic looking combo square, LOL it looks really cool, the one I had was like the one shown at 4:15 and even though I was a fencer and not a woodworker, I retired in 2017, it was an essential in my toll box.

Nice tutorial. I appreciate your style and delivery. Keep up the great work!

Oh man, I was gonna be so proud this video didn't teach me anything... But you got me on one. And it's going to make setting my router depth much easier. Thank you Mr. The Nubs, you're always one step ahead! After watching many of your videos, I purchased three Bridge City tools using some money inherited upon my father's death, to honour him and his teaching me to be handy. I've never seen or held batter made hand tools. They are such a pleasure simply to hold in my hand. My Dad would love them. They operate with what can only be described as perfection - or as close to it as is possible to come. I feel like a better wood worker when I use them. Thanks for putting me onto them.

@northeastcorals

Ай бұрын

It seems so obvious after watching the video but for some reason in all these years it had never crossed my mind to use a combi square for setting my table saw depth.

I've always called that sharp pointer pulled out of a combo square a "scratch awl". But "scribe" or "scriber" seems like a more appropriate term.

Brilliant this reminds me to never unsubscribe from this channel.

Some combination squares also come with a centre-marking gauge.

Framing squares too have alot of tricks many aren't aware of, at least I wasn't until we started building our house. 👍🍺

Any day where Stumpy Nubs shows up in my KZread feed is a good day! Thanks for all your useful info; one question-been thinking about the Big Eye fence for my SawStop…have you done any videos on that fence system? Thanks again!

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

I showed it in the last Cool Tools!

@mindyhall4638

Ай бұрын

@@StumpyNubs Great; I must have missed that; will go look for it and check it out

A word of caution. Never assume that a square is indeed square even if it's brand new right out of the box. Cheap squares very seldom are and even a high-quality expensive square may have been dropped at the factory or mishandled during shipping. Been there more than once. :)

@maynardcarmer3148

Ай бұрын

@theproblemis2158 I bought a Starrett square that had the protractor and center finder for $25 at an estate sale about 15 years ago. That one has always been dead on. I would be afraid to price a new one, though.

@hairy-one

Ай бұрын

@@maynardcarmer3148 $127 for cast iron, $175 for forged, both on Amazon.

@GrantHendrick

Ай бұрын

Thank you for your great ideas and tips. Given the previous comment. How can one ensure the square is true?

@theproblemis2158

Ай бұрын

@@GrantHendrick There are multiple youtube videos on how to tune combination squares. A quick search should find them.

@mikesalmo

Ай бұрын

This is why I typically reach for my try squares. I just don’t have to worry. Combination squares are definitely useful, but between a try square and a mortise gauge, it’s rarely my first choice. (Caveat: like most hand tools, you do need to do initial setup on a try square. But then you really have to damage it to be out of square)

In my job as a carpenter the 1/8th -3mm bit of the rule that is proud of the body is what we use to set the 'quirk'on architraves and trim mouldings,everyone does it ,makes the job consistent no matter the person

Hello, I love your channel! In your earlier videos, I love the intro music. Please tell me the name of the song, or where I can get a copy of it. Keep up the great work! Thanks for any reply.

Having started out as a machinist 50 years ago a combination square is second nature… Thank You for your videos

Thank you again .Julien

My only question is how did you knew I just purchased one and this video has taught me a lot of ways I did not know I could use it?

I keep several of them. The best sits in my machinist tool box as it's a 24 inch Mitutoyo. Many of the older Crafstman are fine. Get the best you can afford.

@zendodeb

Ай бұрын

Some of the cheap Chinese made ones available everywhere are not all that square

@57WillysCJ

Ай бұрын

@@zendodeb That's why you always check to see if it is square. Even older American made carpenters squares can be off so it's a good idea to check them before use. Even a good micrometer needs checking. If it is a busy factory you check it twice a day. Something I learned the hard way.

@fredinit

Ай бұрын

Mitutoyo, along with Starrett, are great tools. I keep my Starrett combination / protractor handy for a lot of layout jobs.

@JamesSmullins

Ай бұрын

I've got a Irwin that much to my surprise was square and had stayed that way for quite a while now. It's my goto tool for most quick setups including table saw and router tables.

@TrevorDennis100

Ай бұрын

I stupidly used a framing square to set the rear fence on a panel saw recently, and happened to recheck with another framing square, and it was miles out. I'm talking the best part of a millimeter end to end of the long leg. There were three framing squares in the workshop, plus I'd brought my own framing square and a large tri-square and after going through all five of them, every single one was out, but the tri-square was the best. I later tested several combination squares and found them to all be close to spot on.

Very informative as always. I use the combination square a lot to adjust the height of the router bits and I recently built a simple magnetic jig that attaches to the square, to be used hands-free for those who don't have a router lift (there's a video on my channel if interested).

Good tips all. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

Best practice to insure the combination square is square?

Used a Starrett for over 35 years as a machinist. Yes, for roughing layouts, it was handy as a shirt pocket!

If you are a trim carpenter, a small combination square is really handy as a reveal gauge when installing moulding, like casing or crown

I love my old 7 inch Craftsman square. It's the perfect size for most things. Another large one in metric is great for fitting drawers.

The best part of a combination square is that you can ignore the ruler. All of those measurement transfers are better ignoring the units because you get reality within thousandths of an inch. Do periodically check the square for square, though. Even the best may not be square out of the box and all will eventually fall out. Place it on the edge of a flat board, mark a line, flip it over and mark again. They should overlap without a V shape. I use a try square, a machinist’s square, and a mortise gauge much more because of that. There’s just no doubt there and a mortise gauge scribes a much better line than pencil on a combination square. As is often the case, a combination tool has drawbacks from complexity. But there are some things I always reach back for my old Union combination square for. Your blade and bit setups are perfect examples. And I don’t own a 45 degree try square… yet 😅

Great list here. Those are some slick looking squares, too!

Coming from a metal working background, my combination square is always near by.

I picked up a very old compound square from well over 50 years ago. It had been owned by a cabinet maker. Very well loved, despite intense use. I pulled out the scribe and it still had a wax on the tip from the factory, it had never been used. Possibly never ever been removed since purchase.

An alternative way to use a combination square to find centers of rectangular forms is to place the 45-deg leg against a side and aligning the straight edge through a corner. Reverse that, placing the leg on the opposite face and rule on the opposite, and the arms of the "x" marked cross exactly on the mid-point between the two sides.

Love how bridge city has the 16th marked on their rules. I’ve look for tape measures with just 16ths marked and couldn’t find one. So much easier using just 16ths in woodworking measurements.

Kind of off topic, but what's the go to literature that any aspiring and overly motivated woodworker needs to read? Any must haves that need to be in any woodshop? Im trying to start growing my general knowledge about woodworking past what KZread can teach me. Thanks in advance

If you get 2 of the same size combination square, you can put 2 heads on the same rule. That's useful in some situations.

A thank you for inspiring me to perform a WAY past due blade to slot check. Upon inspection, i noticed a gap at the far end of the blade. OH NO! (last time I checked was when I set it up in current shop 7 years ago. dont remember gap) Combo square is plastic (I was CHEAP 30 some years ago... yes its that old!) Need to upgrade, Bought new Johnson 12" NOT plastic lol. At full height, the gap is approximately 1/64th at most. I lowered the blade to NORMAL operating height, and the gap is not there. I have never had an issue, as I RARELY use the blade all the way so I feel ok leaving it the way it is. But part of me knows now lol. BTW Its a Rigid TS3650 I bought brand new in 2006. Just wondering what the thoughts are about adjusting or not.

A bit off topic of the video but, I am trying to find some in depth videos about setting up a lathe. Most of the ones I see these days are modern/variable speed and attached motors. Mine is an older Delta Lathe with separate motor and belts. I have had it since 1995, since my uncle passed. It has never been fully set up to turn anything. Any help/directions would be greatly appreciated.

Some thoughts from a drunk Sailor: 1. Where do I get a good one? I don't want to get one from Lowes or the Home Despot. 2. Your removal of the head to check your saw angle makes me wonder if there are good 30/45/60 degree setup blocks. 3. Have you considered a video showing how to pull corners to check for squareness in larger objects? We use a similar technique to make sure a watertight door isn't warped (check for a gap where the strings intersect). I think a lot of beginners could really benefit from such and easy-yet-effective technique.

I actually have a tip to contribute. Perhaps my approach is a little ghetto, but to square my table saw fence with my blade I slip the rule out of my combination square and lay the rule against the blade on the fence side. The side of the rule is up against the full length of the main body of the blade and sticks between teeth at gullets. I then slide my fence up against the rule.

OK, this is a first...a Stumpy Nubs video where I didn't learn anything! Weird. I've used a combo square for all of these things, except for the one with the protractor head since I don't own one.

I 3D printed a piece to hold a dial indicator against the blade and ride in the miter slot, then spent two days wacking the trunion in my Craftsman 113 to get the blade parallel :-).

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

Dial indicators are definitely the most accurate way to align a table saw. But a combination square can get it pretty darn close.

the most useful layout tool for transfering shapes bar none , an essential tool,most overlooked in its capacity for what it can do . :)

I like to extend it all the way to the end so that the square edge is at the end of the rule. I tighten it down very well. And then I use it as a hammer to drive in finishing nails.

Great video! Good use of the square to check that horribly inaccurate miter gauge. I kid! I kid!

Another great video, thanks!

Starrett, all the way and pass it on to your grandkids.

I like how you prepped for dirty comments on if it's tilted a little for setting a router bit, why your my boy blue

The little 6" one is great for marking out hinges. Incidentally, I have used too many of these to have any faith in the bubble; they're nearly always out. Anyone recommend a make where the bubble is always accurate?

I’d love one of those bridge city squares, but can’t justify the expense yet.

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

I love mine, but I understand it is not in everyone's budget. Look for a good vintage one like an older Stanley or a Lufkin. Antique shops are the best place to look, I think. What is important is that you have one that is smooth to operate (the knob doesn't jam up) and that is truly square.

most people don't know there is a scribe tool inside the grip on a lot of combo square designs!!! it blew my mind when my gramps grabbed the little nub and yanked out a dang scribe tool when he saw me looking for a pick to scribe a line lol

If there's a hole in your rule to hang the square from, you can often use it to draw a quick circle. Put your pencil in the hole, the little pin thingy in the corner of the square, et voilla, you have a compass.

In the video you said something about getting a good one. I'm going out on a limb and guessing not getting one from HFT. where would a good one be found? Big box stores? Specialty Retailer? Also, what makes a 'good one's. Just the squareness.?

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

Starrett makes very high quality squares. Mine is from Bridge City Tools and is among the best I have ever used. iGaging makes decent budget priced squares. Don't forget there are a lot of older Stanleys in antique shops that are very nice, too.

@MichaelMoscicki

Ай бұрын

PEC(Products Engineering Corporation) also makes good combination squares in the USA at a decent price if you get one of their blemished models. Lee Valley also sells a nice USA made 4 inch double(no 45 side, just two 90's) square. I use a cheap 6 inch USA made Empire combination square from Home Depot. Put it next to my 1281 Woodpeckers square and well it's surprisingly square for a budget square. Might have to pick through some until you find one that is really square.

Good video. Good information.

Great tips.

Get a certified 1-2-3 block. They're inexpensive and can help you make sure your squares are actually square. Everyone should have a good 1-2-3, not just machinists. They have a myriad of uses

I like these kinds of videos. Seejanedrill is a great channel full of this kind of information too. I hope you do more!

I love the squares, but wouldn't do enough with them to be worth the price.

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

Once they become part of your workflow (no matter what your work it) you will feel lost without one.

Early on Bridge City made some tools with a laminate product instead of real wood. The resin reacted with the brass portion of the tool and corroded the metal. Even though the tools carried life time warranty (for a small fee they would repair or replace the tool) they would not repair the tools. They now want to charge me an hourly rate to repair the tools even though this was cause from the materials used to make the tools. I have some brass/ rose wood tools that are fine. I will not buy any tools from Bride City again.

I learned LONG ago in an unrelated profession that learning the basics is 99% of any given profession (regardless of industry). All a professional is, is someone who’s thoroughly mastered those basics. So, video’s like this talking about the fundamental, proper uses of basic shop tools is absolutely priceless. It’s up to the wood-worker to apply it in the necessary manner they need. Like rudiments to a drummer. *Don’t blow me away with your technical abilities……just each me the basics!* Your channel is one of the best on YT, “Stumpy”!

I always thought that little pokey thing was a toothpick...

The scribe is also a first aid device - use it to dig a splinter out. At worst use it to raise the end of the splinter above the skin surface, then slide the edge of a sharp chisel under the splinter, clamp down on it with your thumbnail and pull it out. Also can be used for neuro surgery, but that's for another post.

This is an expensive piece of equipment that you don't need but may in very rare occasions be handy (my experience). A marking gauge and good fully steel made try square do most of the jobs much better and cost less even together compared to a good quality comb square.

@Dennis-ud2nh

Ай бұрын

I agree that it's good for machinist type use like he shows later on 👍

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

Combination squares don't have to be expensive. You can pick up good vintage ones in any antique shop.

I'm glad I wasn't missing any. You never know. Must be my most used tool. You were missing one- they make a neat toy lasergun.

This has been one of you more valuable videos as of late. All the new tools that are for marking and set up are great and super accurate but most are just unnecessary, why own two tools that do the same thing? I know your fan base is huge but I am sharing this on my paltry channel anyway. I don't do this all that often for larger channels because your reach is amazing as it is. However, I feel those few who watch my channel need to hear this bit of information. The amount of "PUSH" out there to buy something so expensive actually drives more people to purchase the cheaper knockoffs from overseas instead of helping the domestic companies.

Who makes the most accurate square. I have several different types of squares, and they are just a hair of 90 degrees, which 95% time is not an issue; but still, who makes the most accurate.

I thought..... what's this vid going to show me what I don't already know. I learnt some new ideas. I got humbled

I have both sizes but for me it's a pain in the tush to put it back together

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

That depends on the design of your square. Mine goes back together very easily. But I have had others that are a real pain.

Is that a fine adjustment knob on the 2 squares you show the most in this video? You didn't show it in action. That would be a killer feature. I want one. Shipping to Europe is more than 100$ for bridge city tools unfortunately.

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

No, it is the locking/unlocking knob for the rule adjustment.

@carstenhilbert5472

Ай бұрын

@@StumpyNubs Thanks. Guess a combination square with a fine adjustment knob does not exits yet.

Where's the red wings cup? :) like the channel

@StumpyNubs

Ай бұрын

I'm in mourning.

Was very tempted to buy a set of the combination squares as mine are a little old and showing their age. That was until I saw they were made in China.

@RobertKarlBerta

Ай бұрын

I have some Starretts but for knock around use I bought one of those Chinese combos that includes the center finder and protractor.. It never got used because it was bad in every way.... except using the scale to open paint cans ;-)

Really love the tone and detailed coverage and tips in the video content. I find increasingly attention-grabbing and baity titles don't necessarily do the substance of your well-measured and informative videos justice. Hope it's something your team can look into.

Side question who makes the best jointer these days? I have an older jet but I'm not in love with it.

No, I like seeing the cool new thing, being shown by someone who can at least appear to be enthusiastic about it. Im old enough and been doing this long enough to know what I need and dont need. You kids that are new to this stuff, learn that sooner, rather than later. Thanks for the tips on the old tools also, Love this type of video more and more as I age and forget how things are supposed to work!