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Misplaced my regular framing square today (which I promptly found as soon as retrieved the following) so it was off to the shop to pick up another one. The “other” F/S is a hand-me-down that was originally my Grandfather’s (old as dirt). Anyway, it usually isn’t used (till now) so I’d never really given it much examination- so I was much surprised to find that the tongue and blade taper in thickness from the corner (thick) to ends (thin). I presume this is intended to strengthen it while minimizing weight. As far as I know, none are made this way today. Perhaps this is more common than I’m aware.
Anyone have any insight on this?
Sam
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Sam,
I don't have the main body of my collection in front of me right know, but the steel square and roof framing books I do have at home don't address the tapering issue.
I do know that it is quite common in older squares. I collect framing squares with rafter tables on them and virtually every one of the steel variety is tapered as you describe. I think you are on the right track as to the weight issue. A steel square (as opposed to the currently more common aluminum) is actually quite heavy. I would imagine in the days when carpenters spent significantly more time carrying their kit that was a real issue.
Also, I have the suspiscion that the making the square thicker at the heel helped alot with rigidity and keeping the square true. Putting the metal where it counted the most, so to say.
I do know that older squares, probably thru the first decades of the 20th century, were forge welded out of two leg blanks instead of punched from sheet like todays. There's always the chance that the tapering is a vestigial carryover from the handmade days, like the nib on old saws.
I'll check the rest of my book collection tomorrow and if I find anything more definitive I'll post it.
Dick Streff
*Dick, what was/is the nib for?I have an idea...blue
*i was told it was an affectation , but also served as a site...
*I think there are alot of theories about the saw nib. I know one of them was to use it to make a starting notch in the work piece before commencing cutting.But I think the concensus seems to be that it is just a vestigial decoration left over from early saw patterns (especially Dutch designs if I remember correctly).This is one of those questions that could generate a mile long thread in the Knots forum or over at rec.woodworking. There probably isn't a correct answer and half the fun is just hearing everyones theory about it.What's yours Blue?Dick Streff
*My theory is that it is a functional part left on for sharpening. I imagine that the oldtimer would strike the nib into the saw bench to stabilize it while sharpening it.At least thats how I'd do it. I realize that the same technique would work without the nib, but the nib would make it a touch easier-something very important to a true carpenter.besides it adds a touch of style. blue
*I thought it was to pick your teeth with.Tried it, it don't work. Well it might, if you stuck with it long enough, but I gave up after getting a black eye and splinters in my cheek from all that slapping the side of my head against the wood being cut.View Image
*I have a related FS question. I have an old square that is two pieces. The long leg has a turn button on one side that, when loosened, allows a dovetailed tab on the short leg to slide free. The break is 1 1/2" down the short leg. Any clues? I'm guessing portability. There's no scale or index marks putting to rest my earlier thought that it allowed fine adustment for odd sized lumber. The only stamping on the piece that looks like a name is 'THE STANDARD'.Another question on the same square, the short leg has a scale stamped in it that goes from 0-70 marked in fifths. They aren't inches, or anything else I can figure out. And the high end of the scale ends at the edge of the short leg.And (last one) there is a one inch scale in the corner that looks like it's got 64's marked on it. How could this be of use?Thanks!
*Michael,I only have a response to your last question. A good square has a one inch scale at the inside corner that gives Hundredths on one side and 32nds or 64ths on the other, so you can convert your decimal calculations to fractions. Could this be what you are describing?John
*Yup, that sounds like a good use to me.
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Misplaced my regular framing square today (which I promptly found as soon as retrieved the following) so it was off to the shop to pick up another one. The "other" F/S is a hand-me-down that was originally my Grandfather's (old as dirt). Anyway, it usually isn't used (till now) so I'd never really given it much examination- so I was much surprised to find that the tongue and blade taper in thickness from the corner (thick) to ends (thin). I presume this is intended to strengthen it while minimizing weight. As far as I know, none are made this way today. Perhaps this is more common than I'm aware.
Anyone have any insight on this?
Sam