ABC of the Steel Square and Its Uses

by Fred. T. Hodgson

Fig. 71.

Take the square as arranged at [Fig. 71], and place it on the prepared stuff as shown at [Fig. 72]. Adjust the square so that the twelve-inch line coincide exactly with the gauge line o, o, o, o. Hold the square firmly in the position now obtained, and slide the fence up the tongue and blade until it fits snugly against the jointed edge of the prepared stuff, screw the fence tight on the square, and be sure that the 12-inch marks on both the blade and the tongue are in exact position over the gauge-line.

Fig. 72.

We are now ready to lay out the pattern. Slide the square to the extreme left, as shown on the dotted lines at x, mark with a knife on the outside edges of the square, cutting the gauge line. Repeat this process four times, marking the ends, and you have the length and bevels. Square over at each end from the gauge line and you have the toe of the brace. The lines ss, [Fig. 72], show the tenons left on the end of the braces.

Fig. 73.

The cut at [Fig. 73], shows the brace in position, on a reduced scale. The principle on which the square works in the formation of a brace can easily be understood from this cut, as the dotted lines show the position the square was in when the pattern was laid out.

It may be necessary to state that the “square,” as now arranged, will lay out a brace pattern for any length, if the angle is right, and the run equal. Should the brace be of great length, however, additional care must be taken in the adjustment of the square, for should there be any departure from truth, that departure will be repeated every time the square is moved, and where it would not affect a short run, it might seriously affect a long one.

To lay out a pattern for a brace where the run on the beam is three feet, and the run down the post four, proceed as follows: