tdale51@yahoo.com Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 I was wondering if anybody has used these squares. I know Starrett is cream of the crop but it's just not in the budget right now. Thank you for any input http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com/Set-of-2-Double-Squares-4-and-6-iGAGING-by-IPIC/productinfo/466%2D3464/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firehawk Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 I have one and its not too bad. Although for a little more money I believe that that these from Lee Valley are better quality, as I have one of theirs as well. http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=44279&cat=1,42936,42945,44279 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pagel Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 I have a Starrett double square and love it, but you might want to consider PEC as an alternative if you're on a budget. It's sometimes thought of as the next best compared to Starrett. Phil Lowe recently did a "tool test" of combo squares for FWW and ranked the PEC as the best value. They also found that "...double square models sold under the brand names PEC, Lee Valley, Brown & Sharpe, Pinnacle, and Mitutoyo all appear[ed] to have been made by PEC" with PEC usually being the cheapest of the lot. Here's a 4" PEC double square for about $27 on Amazon - http://www.amazon.co...53640732&sr=1-3 Or even a better price at $22 at wttool.com - http://www.wttool.com/index/page/product/product_id/17789/category_id/17557/product_name/Double+Head+Square+Sets+%28PEC+Tools%29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerrySats Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 I have both the 4" and 6" versions , I use the 4 more only because I keep it in my apron pocket . That's a good price for the pair , I'm happy with them . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdale51@yahoo.com Posted November 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 Thank you all for the quick responses! I think I might look into the PEC's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CessnaPilotBarry Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 I own a few Starrett squares, as well as the Lee Valley 4" double. The LV (PEC) is a nicely made tool. I saw the FWW article about the various PEC iterations. One thing to be aware of is variation. My local woodworking school has a bunch of the different PEC color and brand variations. The owner has mentioned varying quality within PEC "brands" and colors, with all but the Lee Valley examples. That said, you might want to choose a source where you can easily return it for another, if necessary, or to check it before purchase. Combo squares aren't difficult to tune, but if I'm buying new, I expect a tool to perform as advertised. As long as you get one that is perfect, any of the PEC examples are far better than squares with shiny blades and stamped markings sold in home centers, and nearly as nice to use as a Starrett. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idbill Posted November 24, 2012 Report Share Posted November 24, 2012 I have a Starrett 6" and bought an iGaging 4" (from Rockler) so that I'd be able to keep 2 measurements simultaneously. This is what I noticed:Starrett lettering is etched much deeper than the iGagingWhen the Starrett is adjusted, the 2 pieces slide smoothly and not rock (ever so slightly) with iGaging Those things are really minor, and I only noted them by comparing them next to each other. Other things to note:which ever you get, get the satin finish. It won't reflect and is easier to read.for the 4" or smaller get the T shaped one and not the combo 90/45 degree version. The 45 degree head uses up a substantial portion of the ruler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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