how to use a speed square and why it might be the most important tool you own

A speed square is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks in woodworking and construction. Here are some of the most common things you can do with a speed square:

• Mark 90- and 45-degree angles. This is the most basic use of a speed square, and it is essential for making accurate cuts.

• Mark other angles. The speed square also has a protractor scale, so you can use it to mark angles other than 90 and 45 degrees.

• Guide a saw. You can use a speed square to guide a saw when making straight cuts. This is a great way to ensure that your cuts are accurate and square.

• Find roof pitches. The speed square can be used to find the pitch of a roof. This is useful for determining the amount of lumber you need to build a roof.

• Lay out stair stringers. Speed squares can be used to lay out stair stringers, which are the supports for stairs. This ensures that the stringers are cut to the correct angle and length.

• Scribe lines. The pointed end of a speed square can be used to scribe lines on wood. This is useful for marking out cuts or transferring measurements.

• Measure distances. The speed square has a scale on one side, so you can use it to measure distances.

In addition to these common uses, there are many other ways to use a speed square. With a little creativity, you can find many ways to use this versatile tool in your woodworking projects.

This video shows Framing Square Professional Tips

A framing square is a carpenter's tool used to mark and check for squareness. It is a L-shaped tool with two arms, one long and one short. The long arm is typically 24 inches long and the short arm is typically 18 inches long. The two arms are joined at a 90-degree angle.

A framing square can be used to do the following:

• Mark 90-degree angles. This is the most basic use of a framing square. It can be used to mark 90-degree angles on lumber, plywood, and other materials.

• Check for squareness. A framing square can be used to check if a piece of lumber or other material is square. To do this, simply place the framing square on the material and make sure that the two arms are aligned.

• Mark other angles. The framing square also has a protractor scale, so you can use it to mark angles other than 90 degrees.

• Guide a saw. A framing square can be used to guide a saw when making straight cuts. This is a great way to ensure that your cuts are accurate and square.

• Find roof pitches. The framing square can be used to find the pitch of a roof. This is useful for determining the amount of lumber you need to build a roof.

• Lay out stair stringers. Framing squares can be used to lay out stair stringers, which are the supports for stairs. This ensures that the stringers are cut to the correct angle and length.

• Scribe lines. The pointed end of a framing square can be used to scribe lines on wood. This is useful for marking out cuts or transferring measurements.

• Measure distances. The framing square has a scale on one side, so you can use it to measure distances.

In addition to these common uses, there are many other ways to use a framing square. With a little creativity, you can find many ways to use this versatile tool in your woodworking projects.

Here are some additional tips for using a framing square: