Where's My Square

i was always misplacing my squares so i decided i wanted a dedicated place for them but always at hand while at my bench
so i came up with this idea
why not use some wasted space
********PLEASE ALWAYS USE YOUR SAFTEY EQUIPMENT **********

Step 1:

First plan where you want your squares to be
then gather the tools you will need

**NOTE ***
THIS WAS PUT ON MY BENCH THAT HAS 2X4 BASE

tools i used in this project :

tape measure
square
cicular saw
jig saw
dremel
wood cutting bit for dremel
files
sand paper

alternitive tools
drill
drill bits

Step 2:

the first thing I did was to measure my space that I wanted them to be
then I marked the center from left to right and from top to bottom
then divide the remaining space in half on both sections { top and bottom ]
and mark your measurements on both left and right sides
now measure your square bottom and divide that in half this will be what you need to mark on each side from your center line {left to right}
this will be your cut line

take your circular saw and cut your line out

*****I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH TO BE VERY CAREFUL MAKING THIS CUT *****
hold the saw handle with both hands while holding the guard up enough to start your cut
always stand to the left of the saw while making cuts like this because the saw could catch and kick out and if you are on the right cutting towards you could get seriously hurt
so please be very careful and if you are unsure about doing this seek help from someone who has allot of experience with a circular saw

special thanks to :lewisb42
for pointing out that you will have to check for screws and nails befor you make your cut
and remove any that will be in the way : hitting a nail or screw would cause damage to your blade and or cause your saw to kick back


*****ALTERNITIVE METHOD******
if you are unsure of using a circular saw you can use a drill and jig saw
you will need to take your drill and find a bit that is just a bit larger than the thickness of your square
drill holes all along your line keeping it as straight as possible
then take your jig saw an cut the remaining slot out

Step 3:

if you used the circular saw method you will need to take your jig saw and finish the end cuts
i then used a thin file and sand paper to smooth out and straighten it up some

Step 4:

i then took a dremel and cut finger notches to easily pull the squares out

Step 5:

and now i have my squares at hand when ever i need them
please remeber to always be safe useing power tools
hope you enjoy and if  i have missed anything or you have questions feel free to ask

thanks for looking

batteriesnotincluded

Comments

[Lovetra]

Loved this! I keep loosing the "Darned" things."

[tylerg2002]

I've been drawing up plans for a work bench that folds up against the garage wall when not in use. I have a garage barely big enough for my little car, and I'm always looking for ways to save space. This will be a perfect addition to my current design. Thanks for sharing!

[batteriesnotincluded]

your welcome and thank you for the comment
and good luck on your project

[batteriesnotincluded]

thank you everyone
i am pleased to see that i could help someone else

[HarnishBrian]

Definitely doing this in my workshop, also while listening to Chevelle

[bambauer]

great idea!

[l8nite]

great idea !

[batteriesnotincluded]

thank you

[AlexLPD]

Nice clean solution =)

[batteriesnotincluded]

thanks everyone for the comments
im not sure about the router tho but if the bit will go thru a inch and a half then yes it could be used
thanks for that suggestion

batteriesnotincluded

[technovative]

Really clever idea, I appreciate methods that not only are functionally efficient but also use otherwise null space.

[profpat]

this is a great idea, hanging my squares on the peg board takes too much time to get it.

[pudtiny]

You could use a router to do this

[pudtiny]

It is a great idea

[paganwonder]

Now that is an awesome idea...to the shop I go!

[batteriesnotincluded]

thank you
and i am glad to see someone else can use this as well

[batteriesnotincluded]

thank you for the replys and comments
and thank you lewisb42 for pointing that about the nails or screws
i had forgotten that very important part
mh76dk the weight of the squares are very minimal so i dont think they will get bent but one could always add a second 2x4 behind to add extra support if so desired
thanks again for the repleys and i am still new to the instuctable site and posting

batteriesnotincluded

[lewisb42]

An excellent idea!

For safety, before cutting the slits check that no nails or screws used in the workbench construction will be in the way of your cut. (Your bench appears to have similar construction to mine, meaning screws holding the top to the skirt would potentially cross the cut lines.) The best case is you end up damaging your saw blade; the worst case is dangerous kickback.

[mh76dk]

This is a very common way to store tools you need handy. In older workshop tables you can find these lines in the top surface, along with holes for your hammer and other such tools (your horisontal side-insert puts a little twist on it and makes it nicer looking for a more varied workshop - I do have to wonder if it can end up bending the squares).

I hope that did not come out as negative. These tricks are often forgotten over time and it is great to see them re-invented/re-discovered.