Speed square basics - How to use one

Maker Math #2

How to use a speed square. I discuss a couple of tricks and some practical uses of the Swanson speed square. I cover most of the uses that a hobbyist would need and a few other roof framing features too.

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WARNING:
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Always think ahead. Every project you try is at YOUR OWN RISK.

[PeteLewisWoodwork]

I have been a carpenter in UK for over 40 years and it was only this year that I learned about the Swanson Speed Square by watching Carpentry videos (like this one) on YouTube and - MAN - how it has changed my working life...! It is almost unheard of here, to the extent that when other carpenters see me using one (I have the 12" and 7" versions), they either come up and ask me about them or say with pride "I have one of those, it's the best tool I have". I admit that us Brits think we know it all - BUT - we don't and I am amazed at how much I have learned from watching USA carpentry videos. I paid maybe a bit too much for my Swanson Speed Squares here in UK - but they are worth every penny, in my opinion. By the way, I always work in Imperial measurements, like Americans - I hate working in UK/Euro standard Metric, so the Speed Square is right up my street.

[richardnoggin]

My uncle taught me how to use one of these when I was building houses with him when I was
15 (35 years ago). I still use it frequently but had forgotten some of the things it can do. Thanks for the refresher. Even more, I appreciate you actually discussing what you're doing rather than just saying, "here, watch this and keep up while you listen to crappy background music". Well done.

[sandyt]

I don’t think I’ve watched a better instructional video on something that has always perplexed me. I watch instructional videos on virtually everything I can think of and this is by far one of the best. Congratulations you’ve on muddled a quagmire for me

[ryanalbergo]

Currently a freshman in a Carpentry program at a vocational high school, never knew how to use my speed square to its fullest potential. Thanks for the very helpful video! I'll be showing my friends these tips this week

[docholliday]

Surveyor for 18 years, and been in construction for 30 years. Damn good video. You checked it both ways, from the calulated angle and the completed angle. Excellent job Sir.

[JohnBindon]

I've had a speed square for years. I only used it to cut 90° perfectly ! This video opened up a whole new world ! Nice pace and great explanations ! Thx Champ !

[abeasley]

I'm in the middle of a porch rebuild my friend asked me if I had a speed square I had no clue what it was. A few days later I found one in my tools. I asked him to show me how to use it. Thanks to the video I have a better understanding of how it works and I won't have to wait for him. I subscribed because I love doing things on my own and you explain things so clearly.

[nunavyourbiznas]

I just got hired for a carpenters job and needed a crash course.
Thanks brother, you just saved my butt.

[chucksmith]

This kid is sharp! I worked the trade starting at 13yrs with my dad's business!
This speed square can be difficult because you may not be framing all the time as our company, because we did every phase from the foundation to handing the customer the key, including landscaping, so I constantly was refreshing my knowledge with this Swanson Speed Square.
If you follow this young guy and learn all or most of the education behind this tool, life on the construction site becomes so much easier, and your confidence soars through the roof!
Thanks for a great video to brush up on and to Swanson for their great tool!
Sincerely,
Chuck Smith👍

[hobbyhuman]

Um yeah, I had one of these in my belt when I worked in trades for 8 years, and you just showed me all kinds of stuff I never even thought of!

[driver]

My hat off to the guy that invented the speed square. Great video. I hope I can remember all of the uses between projects.

[yellownp]

Thank you for the education, I am absolutely positively grateful for this video. thank you for taking the time to teach the rest of us, so in behalf of all those who have been enlighten by this video, THANK YOU! keep up the great work.

[peckerwood]

I've used one of those my whole life and didn't know all of that. And you answered a problem I'm currently having with complementary angles on making table legs. Thank you, great video.

[waynee.]

I've used a speed square numerous times but was never taught all the functions of the tool. Thank you for sharing this video, it will definitely be of great help.

[ezrabrooks]

EXCELLENT VIDEO AND I'm a retired Carpenter, I always used a Framing Square to Layout rafters and stairs, that's how I was taught.

[DamoVegan]

Thanks for the awesome content. As someone who teaches general construction (first year apprentice) to high school students, I still picked up some awesome tips from this. I have a couple of poly speedsquares in the shop, but I can't legally have the students constructing roof frames so I get rusty on all the uses. I might even have them watch this and they can get the idea doing mock ups or small structures. I'll be sending them out into the workforce a bit more equipped than my syllabus is asking. Thank you. 👍🏻

[MrRottweiler]

Had a square just to draw straight line. Now I know all the functionality of it. Thank you good sir 👍

[WorksbySolo]

I've had a speed square for years and never knew a quarter of the stuff you just taught me! I like the pace of your video. Good speed and easy to follow along. Thank you! SUBSCRIBED!

[bisonhappenstance]

All of this stuff is in the Swanson Speed Square manual, but this is a super clear presentation, and you just helped me get the trickier bits. Well done.

[Giannia]

One of the best explanations of the speed square, I've ever seen.