T-Squares

[lincmercguy]

I'd like to get a decent T-square for marking. I really like the Woodpecker 32" t-square, but I can't justify the price. Looking around, others seem to be really cheap ones with plastic parts and bad reviews. Is there anything between the two?

[museumguy]

Any chance you can make your own? Could be acrylic, could be aluminum or could be wood. Just curious.

[GeeDub]

Are you only looking in the 32" range?  Narrowing a size or use case will get you better responses.  I use a Fairgate 36" for such things and have larger construction-targeted squares.  It is mislabeled as a 24" here. I have a 24" blade for my combo square that covers my high accuracy, longer measurements.

[lincmercguy]

I'm not set on a particular size, at least 24"

[cputnam]

Have you investigated a drafting T-Square? The kind when drafting was done on a table with paper and pencil. They are pretty darn accurate if not particularly sturdy.

[Cooler]

I have one of the Woodpecker T-Squares (the largest one which I think is the 32").  After having it for 2 years I also cannot justify what I spent on it.

The drafting t-squares (metal) are quite accurate, but may not do well with rough handling. 

My sheet rock T-square (48") is accurate and has remained so.  (Take a drafting triangle with you when you make your purchase and find one that is accurate. 

https://www.engineersupply.com/Alumicolo...quare.aspx

Alumicolor 36" Standard T-Square   ($43.00)

Model Number: 2135-1

Features:

• 1½" tempered aluminum shaft, which is calibrated in inches and centimeters.
  
• Black ABS plastic heads are lightweight and nearly unbreakable
  
• Heads are secured with 5 screws instead of rivets
  
• Made in El Salvador
  
• Assembled in the USA.
  
• Color: Silver
  
• Size: 36"
  

I see it is $27.00 on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/ALUMICOLOR-Square...328&sr=8-1

[gov.cheese]

Have you investigated a drafting T-Square?  The kind when drafting was done on a table with paper and pencil.  They are pretty darn accurate if not particularly sturdy.

This ^^^^^^^^^

[AHill]

Does it have to be a t-square? How about a carpenter's square? Lee Valley sells a Japanese one where one side is graduated in inches and the other in metric that is 10" x 20". Chappell carpenter squares are not cheap but they are very accurate. A traditional carpenter's square has lots of nifty math done for you. I have the 24x18" version and it's $118 from Lee Valley (but currently out of stock until November!) As others have mentioned, a draftsman t-square is plenty accurate and plenty affordable. It's just not marked with measurements.

[Cooler]

I have an Empire drywall square (48").  I carried in a plastic drafting triangle (45 degree) to check for accuracy.  I don't know how consistent they are, but the first one I picked up was dead on and cheap enough to replace if damaged ($14.00 at Home Depot).  

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-48-in.../202035306

[Arlin Eastman]

I have an Empire drywall square (48").  I carried in a plastic drafting triangle (45 degree) to check for accuracy.  I don't know how consistent they are, but the first one I picked up was dead on and cheap enough to replace if damaged ($14.00 at Home Depot).  

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-48-in.../202035306

I was going to say the same thing.  Also like he said they seem quite square when I put up sheetrock for years and still use it but never checked.