Basics of a Speed Square Lesson - Measuring and Marking Lesson Series - Trade Skills Video *UPDATED*

[@kurdtpatton5039]

This was very thorough, concise, and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ConstructionEd]

thanks

[@savage22bolt32]

Man, I wish you had this yt channel when I was in high school! (68 - 72) I'm usually a day late & a dollar short, but I was around too early for ytube. I found a speed square 40 years ago, and the only thing I ever used it for was making a 90° line on a board to follow with my circular saw. (And that usually comes out crooked!) Next time I will clamp the square to the board as a guide, as I need 2 hands to operate the saw. I'm old ya know. I hope you get rich, or at least make a comfortable income from this channel. You absolutely deserve it!!!❤

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks for the kind words - always use as many hands as you need to keep you safe and keep all your fingers. We make very little from this KZbin channel - but that was not the goal. Our main revenue is from licensing our Instructor Resources to schools in the US and Canada - about 150 schools and growing. I hope you enjoy the channel.

[@mwartz]

You really made that easier to understand how to use a speed square to its full potential, thank you 😊

[@williamsharktv1683]

Now I will save precious time thanks to this! There were some tricks I did not know. Thanks a lot for this great video!

[@thenocode72]

Don’t know how this came up on my feed…but I love it…I build all the time…I wasn’t comfortable with speed square..now I am…and I’m subscribing

[@ConstructionEd]

Hey, that is the best comment we got all month. I hope you enjoy other lessons of ours.

[@mar4072]

This time I learned the use of pivot. Thank you Teacher, Sir!

[@ConstructionEd]

Happy to help!

[@ltridge504]

I just came across your channel and like how clearly you explain the speed square. In my 20+ years in my trade. I've done a mix of residential and commercial. It's sad that so many "carpenters" only know how to make a 90° and 45°. I just subscribed and look forward to browsing more videos. Always looking for ways to improve find new nuggets!

[@juliusspartacus5437]

Finally a clear and concise tutorial on the basics of the speed square. Thank you so much✊

[@ConstructionEd]

glad you liked the video lesson

[@michaeleggman1327]

Thanks! I’m on the wrong side of 50 and now I finally know how to use that darn speed square!😅

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks Michael - that was very nice of you

[@mohammedayaz2792]

This is easily one of the best toturials. I don't have a square but I'm going get one and practise. Thanking you :)

[@ConstructionEd]

You are so welcome!

[@wooddogg8]

Definitely worth the money brother, you need one of these in your box and won't regret the money spent! Peace!!

[@deannacorbettwhite1]

You are an amazing teacher!! You explain things so well! This is the 1st video of yours that I have seen, I look forward to watching many more. Thank you.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks Deanna, Glad you liked the video

[@revon0521]

Ditto. No fluff; no wasted words. I'm here for it. Subscribed.

[@msemakweli133]

Great teacher! Now I understand the speed square. I almost picked one at the store a few days ago. I will now examine it closely (those notches, marking style etc.) before I pick it. Thanks so much.

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful

[@ltridge504]

Spend the couple extra dollars and buy a Swanson with the little blue book. It's one of the best purchases you can make.

[@wolfrickelly5148]

You have earned a subscriber sir. I work in the trades and as sad as it may sound I have never learned this information. Thank you for the clear concise lesson.

[@ConstructionEd]

That is all too common

[@googlinstuff8910]

top class. you teach clearly and are articulate. I would happily pay for this quality of teaching. Thank you!

[@ConstructionEd]

We do have classes at TradeSkillsU.online - that include elements that are not here on the free KZbin Channel.

[@josephvanderlinde6494]

I felt like I missed an opportunity never getting into shop in high-school. KZbin and channels like yours are a gem! Thank you so much

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks for stopping by our channel, hope you enjoy more of our lessons and putting it to work.

[@michalwalenciak2478]

Very good job 👍 Very good teaching skills I like so much how this presenter is showing and explaining. Wish my teachers were like that. Priceless ❤

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad you liked the video lesson, since we now have over 350 schools using our resources (not including those that use our KZbin videos for free)

[@michalwalenciak2478]

@ConstructionEd I love it. Actually thinking now to move to construction full time now. Your study is helping me a lot. I feel very good when I'm watching your stuff 😄

[@naomicarlon1324]

Thankyou for guiding me through the steps to understand the speed square… makes sense… easy to follow!

[@fayethompson6743]

I am a New Student in a Building Consruction Technology course. This is an amazing lesson. I will definitely be watching your channel. Thank You So Much!!!! 🤩🤩

[@ConstructionEd]

Welcome aboard!

[@janetbayford133]

I have two of these in different sizes and now I actually know everything it can do. I am such a numpty! I could have saved myself hours of work if I had known all this sooner. Thank you

[@ConstructionEd]

I have never heard of a Numpty - I had to look that one up. More can be done with a Speed Square - you can lay out an entire roof assembly. That video is coming out soon on our Learning Portal at TradeSkillsU.online.

[@janetbayford133]

@@ConstructionEd British English vernacular LOL

[@chewar7537]

Excellent video, taught me more about the speed square! Thank you!!! You are a wonderful teacher.

[@JonasWanted]

This is a five stars class! So grateful!

[@noname-pz9kb]

This man is a great teacher! Thank you for making these videos. They are very informative and helpful!

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad you like them!

[@donfrank4429]

Thanks!

[@antoniofagundez5075]

Love the square, use it as a saw guide all the time to make perfect cuts. Now I can use it to its full potential. Great info.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks for the comment and watch those fingers

[@kerikateley6781]

Thank you! I watched a couple other tutorials before finding yours while trying to use my carpenter’s square for “unconventional” purposes. They each left out the very important part: how to PROPERLY measure/cut angles (that’s where I was stuck while trying to get an equilateral triangle) by subtracting from the right angle, 90 degrees. This saved me tons of time! Best to you!

[@ConstructionEd]

You're very welcome!

[@chithi8649]

I love this! This makes woodworking even more fun and can get even more creative! Thanks a billion :)

[@darylblas8641]

Excellent! Detailed and informative but not excessive.

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@larryparis925]

Excellent explanation. Very, very clear due to true teaching skills. Many thanks.

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@larryparis925]

@@ConstructionEd Thank you again. Really appreciate the clear instructions.

[@scottdicker7051]

Thank you! You are an excellent teacher.

[@paradoxdea]

Speed square...the sextant of the building industry...excellent video!!

[@ConstructionEd]

As a sailor, I love that analogy,

[@jmackinjersey1]

I've had my Empire Speed Square, like you have in the video, for at least 10 if not 20 years, and the markings are still there, they don't fade or go away. Even if it did, they have a lifetime warranty, so you can just take it back to Home Depot and exchange it, no question asked. I also have a Milwaukee Speed Square and have had it for about 5 years and it is the same. The good thing about these is it is easier to see the markings, especially in bright sunlight.

[@ConstructionEd]

I also like the price

[@GoProTony912]

Thanks a lot! I know this sounds cliche, but you are a very good teacher!! You really simplified this process down to a tee!

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks Tony

[@soulergy1soulrgy1]

I was glad to find your explanation on the speed square, always wanted to learn go to better use it. Thank you,

[@garycawthard]

I only used speed square but not all features. Now I know what to look for and better use. Great teaching. Thank You!

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@boomcity4942]

Excellent video. You were clear, concise and informative. In too many other videos the presenters try to be entertaining and loose their audience. You have proven that you don’t need to provide songs, dances or nonsensical jokes to be successful on KZbin. I just subscribed to your channel. Thank you!

[@ConstructionEd]

Our content is designed for our teacher resource programs. While we like to have to people watch and subscribe - that is not our goal. Our business model is not to make advertising revenue.

[@markjmaxwell9819]

It is a very handy tool Good for metal roofing angles amongst other things . It is amazing how having the right tools makes a job easier and makes it easier to do a quality job .

[@ConstructionEd]

Great comment Mark

[@lkstby1]

That was fantastic! Clear, concise, excellent demonstration and I appreciated that you used your goggles for the cut. There was no mention on confirming that the reference edge of the wood was square though.

[@Avengedsevenfoldrocks]

When I became grateful for my eyesight after having cataract surgery, I started wearing safety glasses from the time I walk on the job until the time I leave. I need to be more cognizant about cutting with a saw and the particles blowing up around the safety glasses so I think the goggles would be the perfect tool.

[@Avengedsevenfoldrocks]

In frame 16:19, I thought oh no 😳 he's not going to wear safety glasses but then after the cut, he was wearing them.

[@ConstructionEd]

The magic of editing - I remember when we were filming the video and had to stop and remember to put the glasses on. We promote using PPE all the time - but it is possible that we have missed it sometimes when filming

[@mrthiefy]

I knew you could use the corner of it to make sure something is square. I had no idea that the long side of it was 45°! this is bloody amazing!

[@ConstructionEd]

Great - glad it was helpful

[@paullee6256]

Thank you for this very clear, concise and useful tutorial.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks Paul, glad it was helpful

[@1965gracebug]

Awesome! Thank you! I am learning woodworking and carpentry for farm use. Very helpful!

[@mikemasek6249]

A superb video. Your explanations are clear and thorough. Thanks so much.

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yeudsiegal5285]

I would care to compliment you on great instructions! I had never worked with wood and I searched for cutting wood, then your channel was displayed. I am glad I came up to this channel. I learned a lot. Much obliged

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad I could help!

[@der.kdf.brother]

Thank you for a very clear explanation. You are a great teacher! Subscribed.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks for the sub!

[@doc145]

Finally someone explained angle cutting properly. I have friends who will line up 30D on the square to get a resulting 30D angle and they can’t figure out why they were wrong. It’s the same for a miter saw. The readings on the saw pertain to the angle of the waste piece. On both the square and miter saw 90D shows as zero. That’s why you have to subtract he angle you want from 90 and the result is the setting on the saw or the square.

[@ConstructionEd]

very very true

[@mikeschmidt4800]

Thank you, ive been looking for an explanation and you just came across my screen. Much appreciated.

[@aadittoshen]

Thanks for that succinct and very precise primer! I am a 'beginner' woodworker (starting a little late in life!) - and I just got myself a speed square... That is how I bumped into your video. I did guess the basics, even before watching your video here - but it certainly helped to get 'confirmation' - as well as a properly 'informed' look at those 'basics'! However, there are TWO features on my speed square (and as far as I can make out, from online images, they are there on all speed squares) - which I cannot find an 'intuitive' explanation for - and, those two features are NOT covered in your video here either... So, was wondering if you could point me to some resource that would help? Features:- 1) A small HOLE, along the 45-degree edge, right on top of the 55-degree angle mark 2) A SECONDARY and TERTIARY set of agle-markings, with notations, saying "COMMON TOP CUT" & "HIP-VAL TOP CUT" Thanks in advance...

[@ilpostinomotociclista270]

Thank you! I’ve been using a speed square for years, but I never knew all its functions.

[@ConstructionEd]

You are so welcome!

[@vincepeacham7292]

Really good clear explanation of the rafter square basics, learned a lot thanks

[@ConstructionEd]

Great to hear!

[@onewithall6946]

I really appreciate it. It was a well-crafted presentation with an organised structure and a smooth flow of ideas. I will subscribe to your channel.

[@peterdavies9277]

Great tutorial - simple but comprehensive.

[@wooddogg8]

Excellent video!! no nonsense, just cover the important basics and that's that. thank you'

[@kirkhepburnmiddleagedwhiteguy]

Great info and lesson. One question, please. Does the 2 3/4" mark "sort of line up" or does it actually line up?

[@DylanBegazo]

You’ve just earned yourself a new subscriber.

[@ConstructionEd]

thanks for joining

[@reuma7823]

Hi I just want to say thank you for your video. My brother shared this with me knowing I love to learn about this sort of stuff & the fact that I'm his baby sister with tools 🤣 when he was up visiting for xmas he taught me how to fit a new door handle & I really enjoyed it along with other awesome things we got to do together ❤️ so thanks to my brother, you now have a new subscriber. So with that said I'm off to watch more of your videos hope you're having a awesome day 🙂

[@ConstructionEd]

great story and thanks for sharing

[@bdr4212]

I learned it as the Swanson Square. It is one of the most useful tools in any pro or hobby shop. I have two sizes, with the Swanson booklet.

[@KennTodd117]

Wow what an absolutely amazing video. I learned more than I hoped. You’re an amazing teacher. I just want to know basics to do things around the house and learn to make some things. You’re an outstanding teacher - totally subscribing!

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@waltermessines5181]

Perfect teaching, easy to follow, great graphics, not too much in one class. Greetings from Portugal.

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad you liked it! Welcome to the community all the way from Portugal

[@jcwong3208]

You are a good teacher.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thank you! 😃

[@PresidentSquigglyMiggly]

Some great tips in here. I really like that idea for using it as a guide for a circular saw. Great video!

[@matttopper5017]

This is highly informative. You’re a good teacher 👍

[@georgiivanov3227]

Helpful movie.Clear Explained.Thank You!!

[@ConstructionEd]

Thank you

[@nobueno8652]

Thanks. You’re the dad I never had.

[@ConstructionEd]

Ok son

[@nezarmahmoud7728]

Respctful & useful man Deserve subscription

[@ypaulbrown]

Good Information, Bravo from an old guy in Florida ...Paul

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks old guy from Florida - in fact Joe is in Florida right now, and I was there in central FL a few weeks ago. Keep up the nice weather.

[@ypaulbrown]

@@ConstructionEd appreciate that......looking forward to more of you great information videos.....Paul

[@ypaulbrown]

@@ConstructionEd I am in Orlando, fabricating and welding ......gotten cool here lately, down in the 40's....best wishes, Paul

[@jesuscortez2941]

we always keep learning 👍🏻thank you for your videos

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad to hear that

[@patrickolmstead1557]

This is fantastic. Thank you so much. Wish I had watched this before my last 3 projects. Might have saved me from buying a miter saw.

[@lonniebearden9923]

My first video of yours I've seen so now I have subscribed. Thanks for the great video.

[@ConstructionEd]

Welcome aboard! Hope you enjoy some of our other lessons

[@karodora]

Excellent content and presentation. Thank you.

[@davidav8orpflanz561]

Great info...Now I can go rebuild the world until it is perfectly square!!!

[@ConstructionEd]

Let me know how that goes.

[@mikem1436]

Good video. Why would you rotate the speed square when cutting an angle when you can use the markings directly on the speed square? For example, when you made the 20* angle you rotated the speed square 70*. Why not leave the speed square where it was and then just use the 70* mark? Doing it this way will be more accurate as there is no movement of the pivot point. On a shorter width board the 70* mark would be off the board and either it would be done your way or butting up a piece of scrape wood to make the width wider so the line could be drawn.

[@ReinierKaper]

You can do it that way, but you'd need to draw a line from your 20 degree mark to the corner (pivot point) with a straight edge. In general, really shallow angles (shallow relative to the SIDE of the board, that is) are a little tougher to do well with a speed square because it becomes hard to keep stable with not a lot of the speed square touching the board. You can see he kind of missed the edge where the pivot point is. Also factor in that dimensional lumber has rounded off edges, making it even more difficult as well.

[@ConstructionEd]

correct - maybe ways to use the tool

[@martinoamello3017]

@@ConstructionEd Nice reason to have a F clamp in your kit.. I'm not good at holding the square and saw at the same time and tend to like having fingers attached to my hands. It's part of my original equipment. My fingers are OEM.. ;)

[@brianmorris8045]

One of the best tools I have ever bought over the years is a speed square.

[@ConstructionEd]

I agree - I have a bunch of them also.

[@17Scumdog]

Yes. If I am working a new guy that is also new to building I tell them they need to buy 3 things so that they have their own: Tape measure, pencil, speed square. I don't tell them that if they get those three things in the first month (and have them every day) they get an automatic $2 per hour raise at the end of the month. If they don't get those three things in the first month, I don't keep them for long after that. Without those three most critical items you're basically useless for anything but carrying lumber. The knowledge to use them can only come from having them in the first place. 😁

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@17Scumdog The knowledge to use them can only come from you TELLING them to buy them now and bring them every day. You're just shooting yourself in the foot withholding critical information that will make them better. If they're new to building they don't know what a speed square is for. Do you also make them figure out what it does? Then a raise or get fired?

[@17Scumdog]

@@BariumCobaltNitrog3n I tell them to get them, I teach them to use them. I don't tell them about the raise. If a young new guy isn't motivated enough to bring the absolute minimum to work with him every day, why would I want him around?

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@17Scumdog Assuming everyone thinks just like you could be a stumbling block. People are "motivated" by different things and require positive feedback. A surprise reward is the same as no reward, no one will see it as a goal.

[@nopnop6274]

❤❤🥇👍🏻💯 Best lessons I’ve come across! Well explained videos. Thanks.

[@ConstructionEd]

Wow, thanks! Glad you found us

[@Huntereconomic]

Thank you for all this knowledge.

[@ConstructionEd]

My pleasure!

[@tricolor112010]

Excellent video and information. Keep up the good work

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks, will do!

[@shaundomingue6509]

Excellent tutorial. My best to you. Cheers.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Roofskills21]

Good Stuff, we also use a variety of squares and it’s all part of the art and good practice!

[@ConstructionEd]

thanks for the comment

[@Living-learning]

Nicely explained sir. I’m jumping into this industry, it’s really helpful . It would be helpful If you could make a video on creating a slope on the flat pergola. Thanks

[@ConstructionEd]

We do have lessons on Rise and Run - they are just not on this free KZbin channel. We only put out the videos for free after about 2 years from production. Before that they are part of our instructional resource subscription.

[@DonTruman]

Impressive tool, clearly explained. Sad I never knew about this before and how useful it is. Will buy one asap.

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DexterMorgan]

I only ever use it to see if something is square but holy hell is this tool useful! Now going to look for other uses 😊

[@prestonbarr2358]

I like how this guy has paint on his hands and a bandaid on his finger. Really gives this piece a touch of realism.😂

[@kharisma92]

Awesome teacher! Thank you

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamparker6649]

Super well done explanation!

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nagarajbangalore9641]

legend you are , excellent teacher you are sir.

[@ConstructionEd]

Wow, thanks

[@tommyandtammy1]

Excelent Video, Thanks and God Bless.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks, you too!

[@craigriglin]

I appreciate the tutorial. Could you go into how to figure out and cut compound angles. Years ago I work under a Zen Carpenter who like to build polygon structures. Who could calculate all compound angles using a plumb bob and a square. I can’t remember how he did it

[@ConstructionEd]

We are planning a compound angle cutting video soon

[@punchion]

You sir are a good teacher. Well explained concepts!

[@ConstructionEd]

thank you very much

[@radcontract]

The best teacher

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks a ton

[@barotraumabruce4245]

I’m a retired electrician, so what did I know about speed squares? Not much, I’m afraid, though I always had one with me. The other day son and I were building a work bench (he got his degree in electrical engineering, so no help there) and I told him there ought to be a way to use this speed square to mark angles. Well, the other day I didn’t know how, but today I do! Thank you!

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks for the comment - I hope you don't tear us a new one on our electrical content

[@barotraumabruce4245]

@@ConstructionEd You know there’s a lot of iffy information out there. In the electrical trade “the authority having jurisdiction” decides how we do things. So, I wouldn’t presume to know best. But, when you teach me something I want you to know…so you can keep it up! Thanks, again!

[@robt8159]

I just bought a speed square last night and came across this video today - thank you! I have a question: When I got the square, I envisioned holding the square in place with the edge tight against the edge of the wood (like you showed), with the pivot point where needed, then simply making a mark at the degree needed (like 20, 40, or any other degree), then using the straight edge of the square to draw the line for cutting. Would that work? And is there a reason not to use this method? Thanks for the input.

[@carpentrynewfrontiers8072]

This technique works but involves more manipulations of the tool. Keep in mind you would then be marking the complementary angle in comparison to the technique showed in the video.

[@ConstructionEd]

thanks for the assist

[@jimzhou5381]

Clear demonstration, good lesson, thank you.

[@ConstructionEd]

You are welcome! and thank you for watching

[@nore8141]

Great video and commentary thanks 🙏

[@ConstructionEd]

thank you very much and thanks for visiting our channel

[@JohnLee-im7iu]

Nice tutorial…..good review. Thank you.

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pipkingsfxmadesimple]

Great Info. I really learned a lot. Home wood worker

[@ConstructionEd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Halak014]

14:34 saw that when you put the angle point on the tip of what you saw it looked like the Square is showing what angle it is. Can that be a simple way to identify angles?

[@ConstructionEd]

yes - that time stamp is showing a 60 degree angle

[@GentleStorm1]

I’ve been using speed squares for years and consider it a critical tool. However, I’ve only known an eighth (1/8😊) of its utility. I became keenly aware of that recently when trying to install rafters on an offset roof with a dormer and really struggling to find the correct angles + lengths. While An Angle finder helped, I knew there was a way to use the “rafter square” and was irritated I couldn’t figure it out. I know this video didn’t cover that, but it discusses several other features that would have made many jobs more efficient (like ripping a board in half without having to measure both ends & drawing/chalking a line!🤯) had I known. Thank you for teaching!

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks for the comment - we will be releasing a video about using a rafter square for roofing soon - it is part of our other resources for teachers, just not part of our free public distribution yet.

[@chapman9230]

I think you should have the square the other way around when cutting . That way the saw pushing forward pushes the broad edge into the material giving greater stability. Great video. I am subscribing.

[@ConstructionEd]

You sure can - I find that the fence sometimes get in my way when I turn it around

[@jmackinjersey1]

You can, but then you are only pushing the board, and don't have a lot of resistance, so your board can easily move, especially when you are actually cutting at speed, not demonstrating like he was.

[@jmackinjersey1]

@@ConstructionEd When your blade is too deep, you will catch the edge on the motor housing. Lift the blade so it is just sticking out of the bottom of the lumber. It cuts better like that since you have more teeth surface cutting the material.

[@nikmabc]

Also, the tip extends pass the edge which will help with aligning the saw at the start of the cut.

[@gistarbsonestopfarmshop]

Excellent!

[@smurfturf]

love this explanation!

[@ConstructionEd]

So glad!

[@Flussig1]

Great information, thank you. Subscribed.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks for the sub!

[@PeterMassa-ds5ph]

Very good fundamental lesson.

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks Peter