Woodworking Try Squares

A Try Square is a device that allows you to see clearly any angle that you need in just about any of tyour woodworking projects. It’s possible for you to build your own try squares in the angle configurations that you use the most. They are very handy when your projects need to be absolutely squared up according to a particular angle. Like a t-square is used in drafting and architecture to achieve a perfect 90 degree angle when creating building plans, a try square does the same for woodworking.

Most woodworking aficionados use a heavy metal square that is more typical for machinists’ work than for a woodworker, but it is adequate. You can build your own try square out of lighter weight wood that is hand friendly and yet solid. Try squares that are custom made are also quite beautiful and are a woodworking project to be proud of. It’s not easy, but the following tells you a bit about what’s involved.

The wood most commonly used for custom try squares is any hardwood. Make a piece that’s about ½” longer than what you’d like the finished product to be. The width should be just slighter larger to allow for the finishing process. That will serve as your main piece, or handle.

The blade is the other side of the angle and will be much lighter and thinner. This piece, called the tongue, should be only about ¼” thick. That means you’ll most likely have to cut your own as this is not a common thickness readily available at your local lumber yard. A band saw will do the trick if you have one. This piece of the try square is usually made from a contrasting color wood to differentiate it readily from the handle piece. Smooth out the tongue piece, but leave it at the 1/4 “ thickness.

The handle will now be prepared to receive the tongue. A slot will need to be cut into the end of the handle so the tongue will slide into it and be secured. This can be accomplished by using a cross-cut with a hand saw.

The bridle joint will be made by using a mortise gauge and tool slaving. The top of the tongue will be set so that it is extended out just past the edge of the handle. The two pieces will be joined together into a perfect angle, any angle you’d like and the finished product will be a handmade tool used by woodworkers for centuries.