How to Use the Swanson’s Speed Square: A Carpenter’s Guide
If you are a carpenter, you probably have heard of the Swanson’s Speed Square. It is a versatile tool that can help you with various tasks, such as measuring angles, marking cuts, and laying out rafters. But do you know how to use it effectively? In this blog post, I will show you how to use the Swanson’s Speed Square for some common carpentry projects. I will also provide some affiliate links to the Swanson’s Tool Company website, where you can find more information and products related to the Speed Square.
What is the Swanson’s Speed Square?
The Swanson’s Speed Square is a triangular-shaped tool that combines five tools into one: a try square, a miter square, a protractor, a line scriber, and a saw guide. It was first developed by Albert Swanson in 1925 and has been a staple for carpenters ever since. The Speed Square is made of heavy-gauge aluminum alloy and has black-filled gradations for easy reading. It also comes with a pocket-sized booklet that explains how to use it for rafter layout and roof construction.
How to Use the Swanson’s Speed Square as a Try Square
A try square is a tool that helps you check if two edges are perpendicular or square. To use the Speed Square as a try square, simply place one edge of the tool along one edge of the board and check if the other edge of the tool is flush with the other edge of the board. If there is no gap between the tool and the board, then the edges are square. If there is a gap, then you need to adjust the board until it is square.
How to Use the Swanson’s Speed Square as a Miter Square
A miter square is a tool that helps you mark or cut angles other than 90 degrees. To use the Speed Square as a miter square, first locate the pivot point on the corner of the tool. Then, align the pivot point with the edge of the board and rotate the tool until you find the desired angle on the protractor scale. You can then mark or cut along the edge of the tool for an accurate miter.
How to Use the Swanson’s Speed Square as a Protractor
A protractor is a tool that helps you measure or mark angles. To use the Speed Square as a protractor, first locate the pivot point on the corner of the tool. Then, align the pivot point with the vertex of the angle and rotate the tool until one edge of the tool is aligned with one side of the angle. You can then read the angle on the protractor scale.
How to Use the Swanson’s Speed Square as a Line Scriber
A line scriber is a tool that helps you mark parallel lines on a board. To use the Speed Square as a line scriber, first locate the notches on both edges of the tool. These notches are spaced 1/4 inch apart and correspond to common stud widths. Then, place your pencil in one of the notches and slide the tool along the edge of the board while keeping your pencil in contact with the board. You can then mark parallel lines at any distance from the edge.
How to Use the Swanson’s Speed Square as a Saw Guide
A saw guide is a tool that helps you make straight or angled cuts on a board. To use the Speed Square as a saw guide, first mark or measure where you want to cut on the board. Then, place one edge of the tool along the mark or measurement and hold it firmly against the board. You can then use the other edge of the tool as a guide for your saw blade and make the cut.
Conclusion
The Swanson’s Speed Square is an amazing tool that can help you with many carpentry projects. It is easy to use, durable, and accurate. If you want to learn more about how to use it for rafter layout and roof construction, you can check out [the Swanson Blue Book](http://www.swansontoolco.com/product/speed-square/) that comes with every Speed Square. You can also visit [the Swanson Tool Company website](http://www.swansontoolco.com/) for more products and information related to the Speed Square.
I hope you found this blog post informative and entertaining. If you did, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might benefit from it. And if you have any questions or feedback, please leave them in
the comments section below.
