The Swanson speed square is an old favorite. It was invented in 1930 by Albert J. Johnson and has had a few additional features added over the years. The one I'm showing is from around 1988. They had just added that little diamond that you see which is at the 3 1/2 inch mark. The "diamond" is apparently their trademark.
The speed square combines a number of tools in one. It is a rafter square, miter square, try square, scribing guide, protractor and most notably a good saw guide. In profile it is shaped like a T, so if you want to make a quick square cut across some lumber with a circular saw you just slap this thing down, hold it with your left hand with the top of the T along the edge of the lumber and run your saw along the square edge of it. Being substantially thicker than a carpenters square, the saw won't easily ride up on the square.
I like this 6 inch version as it easily slips into a tool bag. They are pretty indestructable too. I think that all the models come with the "Little Blue Book" which explains the use of the rafter tables which are stamped into the tool. After about 20 years I'm not sure where that book is anymore, but it is pretty simple to figure out without it. This is the kind of tool you go out and buy again if you ever find you have lost it.
Update: Added an article on how to use swanson speed square here
Comments (5)
I was wondering if you have a book available that has all the techniques of using a speed square?
Posted by Roy Fisher | April 27, 2008 1:20 PM
Posted on April 27, 2008 13:20
Can you mail me the book you provide with all squares? I did not get one with my most recent purchase.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by robert mcgonigal | September 10, 2008 2:25 AM
Posted on September 10, 2008 02:25
You guys needed to to get Lowes and everyone else,for that matter, to put out more small ajustables. I have trouble finding them, and when I get one, it gets stole when I lay it down! Chaps your #%&* when your trying to cut roof! HA HA.
Posted by Robin wester | April 23, 2009 4:28 PM
Posted on April 23, 2009 16:28
the speed square works great. But, I'm a welder, and there is one improvement which could be made. The flange needs to be wider. It would work better on more rounded material.
Posted by jay kincaid | April 29, 2010 2:06 PM
Posted on April 29, 2010 14:06
I,m sorry but the inventor is Albert J.Swanson and invented in 1935.
Posted by B.C. | November 23, 2011 12:52 AM
Posted on November 23, 2011 00:52