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Product Reviews » Tool We Love: Japanese Square
Tools We Love: Japanese Square
By Seth Keller
Photos by author
Posted Oct 3, 2011
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| photo courtesy of Rockler |
Sometimes less really is more. This Japanese Square is perfect in so many ways. Made out of stainless steel, it is hefty enough to withstand daily use, but light enough to toss in an apron pocket. As opposed to other squares that have sliding straightedges, this square has a long, fixed foot that makes it perfect for setting up machines at 45 or 90 degrees. The angles are dead on, which is a lot to say for a tool as inexpensive as this. I even use it for marking center on turning stock. This square, straight from Japan, has clearly marked measurements, albeit in metric. While some may scoff at this ‘shortcoming’ I don’t mind it a bit; 90 degrees is 90 degrees, no matter where you are in the world! Besides, I have a tape measure. I even turn to it when I am referencing an Asian or European drawing. The fit and finish is superb and at less than $20.00, this is a square that is tough to beat. 
I use this square for setting up my jointer, bandsaw and tablesaw. Because there is no sliding rule, it can’t get out of square, even temporarily. 
I find it perfect for marking 45 degrees when I’m making picture frames, doing simple moulding, as well as marking for center when I’m using the lathe.
Source:
45/90 Degree Stainless Steel Miter Gauge
Part #23404
$20.00
Rockler
www.rockler.com
(800) 279-4441
4 Comments
This is one I should add to my workbench. I can see that it is versatile and accurate, and for the money, a hard bargain to beat.
I have this same square, and like you, I love it. At first, I wasn't sure about the metric markings, but also like you, I found I never payed much attention to them anyway. Additionally, I use it mainly for tool set up and making sure my miter gauge is set accurately.
I don't have one ofthese ,but I've seen them at lee valley tools and other woodworing sites. thanks for the tip
3/16" or 2mm? 5/8" or .6mm? 12" = 1ft with inches divided into 1/4, or 1/8ths. or 1/16ths, 1/32nds, 1/64ths? And then it's 36 inches is 3 foot which is 1yard. This is insanity Virtually every country in the world is is using metric (how many are still using imperial? I know of America only but I am sure there must be some others). Australia converted to metric in 1980 and made it compulsory and it was one of the best thing to ever happen. America is so far behind the times on this and I am sure it greatly harms American exports. I would never buy an American car - imperial spanners, pound per square inch pressures, miles per hour etc - AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! As for the square, great little tool and like so many Japanese goods, it is a superb quality instrument.