Make an MDF Speed Square

Intro: Make an MDF Speed Square

This is a simple project that can be very useful, build one now and save some time !

STEP 1: Cutting the Mdf

Start by using a circular saw or a mitre saw to square the edge.

Then cut a narrow strip.

Adjust the mitre saw to 45* then cut a right angle triangle be sure that at least one edge of the mdf board is a factory edge

STEP 2: Glue Up

Clamp a try square as shown in the picture then glue the strip to the edge of the square.

Apply clamps ensuring that the strip is up against the square hardwood could also be used for the strip.

STEP 3: Result + Testing

After cleaning the glue squeeze out with a utility knife your speed square is now ready

you can test the accuracy by marking two lines on a board with parallel edges as shown in the video.

Comments

[MsSweetSatisfaction]

Definitely a clever little build, looks like it could be useful in the future!

[verence]

Sorry, but your proof at 2:00 in the video or the last step here proofs exactly nothing (except that the sides of the board with the lines on are parallel). Even if you would have used the 45° angle side, the lines would have been parallel (i.e. as parallel as the sides of the marked board)

What do you need your square for anyhow? You need a try square to build one, so why not just use this one in first place?

[Tom Howbridge]

Your right, I am not sure about the "testing" now as I adapted the technique used for try squares and obviously it doesent work

I wanted to make one as the cheap ones are not true and the point of having a speed square over a try square is that it is easier to slide along say a 2*4 and make several line quickly also I could make little cuts at say 12.5 18 mm and so on So the pencil could rest in the notch and you would slide the square down with it

Plus if your mitre saw or table saw is accurate enough you would not need a try square and you could just glue the strip along the edge of the board and the technique of testing used before could be used as the square would flip over

Thanks for the comment hope this makes sense

Tom