Framing Square Pro Tips

[@TheDadx3]

The scale you wondered about is an octagon scale. It was used to layout octagonal gable vents and windows as well as octagonal cross-sectioned poles/timbers. The proportions could be scaled up or down as necessary. Both were frequently used around here back in the day. At one time many poles were octagonal, as it is a good, rigid profile while reducing some of the unnecessary weight of a round pole. You're correct, the framing square is a tragically unappreciated piece of analog computing equipment. My Dad had three older carpenters of my grandfather's generation that worked for him. He put me with them and told them to train me. That was a tremendous gift that gave me a huge boost in my youth by allowing me to benefit from their knowledge, wisdom, economy and efficiency of effort, and their astounding productivity without seeming to get into any great hurry. I also learned how to sharpen hand tools, saws, etc. and realized there can still be a place for them on a modern job site. Last week, we reversed the "hand" on a door for a client that wanted to reuse a 150 year old door in a building from 1839. With a router plane, chisel and a # 4 1/2 plane, it was finished before the laborer could round up the extension cord, router, the hinge templates and the electric door plane. Keep up the great work you're doing! There's no other source, for many people, for what you teach!

[@Toyotaamazon80series]

Agreed Sir, hand tools give one the ability to finesse a piece. They are quite and when set up and sharpened properly they are a joy to use. I purchased original Stanley Bailey no 4 smoother on ebay last Year. Still in it's original waxed paper and in its original box. It had been in someone's attic since the sixties. Never used and in mint condition. I paid over €120 for it but my God it's a beautiful tool to use. It's one of my prized possessions. They don't make them like that anymore, 👍😁🔨🇮🇪

[@YELLTELL]

YES THIS!!!! RESPECT! THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME!

[@ethanross5919]

This man speaks purely from experience. He is so proud of his knowledge and the skills he has learned and practiced. And I really appreciate your generosity in sharing you skills and knowledge that you value.

[@717UT]

Brother Blacksmith It's incredibly valuable because I know skilled craftsmen and carpenters that have no desire to share their knowledge because they feel it is a waste of their time. That makes me frustrated because their knowhow is so valuable, and there are so few ways to learn other than direct hands on teaching. This is why I value these videos so much. They are a testament to the skills that are essential

[@yapbird]

Brother Blacksmith ! Respect

[@joshcowart2446]

Max Federle also some have his attitude that if they share the knowledge they’re only creating more competition for themselves

[@jamescratt6273]

AMEN!!!

[@joshcowart2446]

My comment was supposed to say this attitude not his attitude

[@leemartin9579]

I am a young carpenter. I grew up working for the builders whom my dad sold lumber, since I was able to use tools. I have a college degree, but I enjoy carpentry so much I do not use my degree. Fortunately for me very few people my age know how to run a job site start to finish, so I have my own company at 31. I truly feel blessed to be a carpenter, and I enjoy my trade every day! I will teach my children the skills I have learned even if they want to do something else, because this knowledge is so valuable. This channel is amazing, and I hope one day to be as learned a craftsman as you old timers who inspire me on a regular basis! Also if Jesus was a carpenter, then I couldn't find a better path to follow.

[@chrishelbling3879]

If you run job sites, and were able to learn from old-timers, then you DO use your college degree: open-minded, take in new information, synthesize several points to create new solutions, etc. Best wishes to you, young sir, sounds like you are doing everything right. :)

[@jerrysmith9780]

"Tuning a Square". That is freaking amazing! Never heard of that and would have never even considered such a thing. Your videos are so peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable and so bloody informative. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. The world is a better place because of you.

[@iron352]

Me either

[@jsmith5443]

I never knew about that either.

[@edshuttleworth1549]

As a tool and die maker you are taught that steel is just a hard plastic. he just expanded it. The hard part would be to go the other way. When the grain of the material is stretched it it harder to compress.

[@Arariel3]

Agreed Absolutely beautiful! I have to confess, I learned something new there!

[@daveyjones7391]

13:45 I'm sure someone has already mentioned this, but that is the octagon scale. If a square piece has side lengths of 'x' and you want to make a perfect octagon, lay out dividers on the scale to the appropriate 'x'-th dot and mark in from either side of a centre mark for all four sides. Connect each of these points to the nearest on the adjacent side and the result will be a perfect octagon. Note that the stock must be trued and squared and actually *square* for this to work.

[@kdeltatube]

Cool, I didn't know that one either

[@daveyjones7391]

@@kdeltatube Hope the info helps! I recommend Audel's Carpenters and Builders Guide. Volume 1 contains everything you need to know about the steel square.

[@farges76]

Oh, cool, I thought is was a weird way of measuring cms cause of where the numbers lined up, good to know!

[@jsmith5443]

I don't understand why it can't be done with a normal ruler.

[@williamwoody7607]

Was there a time when constructing an octagon was common or at least occasionally necessary? Why not a heptagon?

[@AndyJame-bo4fc]

What a beautifully done book kzbin.infoUgkxo4aMFkUegBx-KHPIJlfwKPHu7kQXAR9N ! The text and the photographs are brilliant. It is thorough and genuinely informative. Joseph Truini got another winner! No one does it better! Love the Cape Cod Shed with the Blue door!

[@gsh319]

1st.... I doubt we know much more than each other... I'm a life long carpenter and I still love carpentry, working outdoors, and standing back and looking at what we've just built from scratch. There's no better feeling. The mystery scale you spoke about is an Octagon scale used to lay out octagons from a square. That's right, an Octagon scale. Can ya believe it,? One of the easiest scales on the square to use but nobody ever uses it. Who is ever gonna use that unless you specialize in yard gazebos.. haha, and I doubt even they use it. P.S. You know more, I'm always picking up something new from your channel

[@Stewbular]

Scott H the old man who taught me in the ‘70’s called the octagon scale “these are your ‘gon’s”

[@nowerries]

Learned that in school during my apprenticeship in Canada.

[@nickhoegerify]

Thanks guys. You all give me a leg up in this profession. I am in Dept to you all

[@christophercrawford2736]

Nicholas Hoeger what department?

[@homeg8735]

The real MVP 👏🏻👏🏻

[@scottharrington1309]

I've been a metal stud framer for over 27 year's and am considered a journeyman carpenter. I've installed 100's of roof's and put in probably 500 footer's too.. With all my hard work and plenty of experience in the construction trade in general. But I do have to say that after watching your video that you did show me a couple tricks that I didn't even know. So that tells me that your never to old to learn something new. Thanks for the tips.

[@tutube001]

as someone used to work with metric system... the only thing i understood is that there is a scorpion in that candy.

[@knpstrr]

It's why Americans rule the world.

[@jjducharme1]

Worst pun ever!!!!!

[@uptide1214]

Well yeah, when you pick numbers that don't make sense it's not going to make sense. If you notice he's always starting with 12, 16, 48 etc. which are easy to divide; these can be applied with both number systems. It's just kind of 'built in' with feet being 12 inches. I want to use metric, but like you said wood only comes one way, inches and feet.

[@clintclower7604]

lmao ........dipshits

[@joncrosby8988]

I hope you have read the facinating thread in the measuring tips vid that begins with "one more trick, and a bit of math...

[@atokeman]

There’s over 6k comments so I don’t expect you see this. But I’m commenting on this video having watched many. You’re the father figure I didn’t realize I could ask for. Meaning, your attitude, your gumption is so far past anything else I’ve seen. And I grew up on New Yankee workshop. To be honest, you’re as good in your own way as NYWS. But you got something special. You’re a true mentor. You ARE INCREDIBLE to share all your knowledge. I’m a first time home owner and your videos give me so much confidence. You sir. Are absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for your time and effort. 🧡

[@jeanmorin3247]

I've had a carpenter square for years and never used it for anything else than to draw a right angle and to measure length. My father once told me that his father, a foreman in carpentry, knew how all of these tables worked, yet with very little formal education (and fourteen children). The image of that man always stood tall in my memory. Surely, a man who can use a carpenter square nimbly can sort out a straight line of thought. This Essential Craftsman certainly proves that... Superbly well done video. Much obliged for the smooth and rightly pitched education.

[@patrickconnolly2552]

i bow to you master.....i am a self taught carpenter and repair contractor out of necessity...as a young man no one would apprentice me...the era of affirmative action was in full swing... so i read and read and read and when the opportunity presented itself would ask as many questions as the tradesmen would tolerate....blessed are the ones who were honored and privileged to work for and under you...thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills....pat connolly...detroit

[@nakamakai5553]

I just love your videos. You are explaining many of the aspects of the craft, the tools, the methods, and the "how not to"s (that are worth gold), that many of us have wondered about for years - - and you accomplish this without condescension or making us feel stupid. The world needs more teachers and mentors like you. Thank you.

[@Nondescript15]

I’m not a carpenter, I know nothing of your trade but I wanted to thank you for your work. Please keep it going, this younger generation needs this information. They don’t know it yet but they do. Way too many kids these days that think they’re going to be influencers and make millions of easy quick dollars. When reality hits them they need to learn a trade and outstanding channels like yours will be there to help them. Thank you!!!!

[@banjo7987]

When I did my carpentry apprenticeship I had the privilege of being taught by Jim Ruthven. When Stanley Tools developed their metric rafter square they hired Jimas a consultant. The story was told that Jim was helping another instructor build the roof on his house. The roof was a complicated roof with in uneven slopes, hips and valleys. Jim pulled up with a radial arm saw on the back of his truck and asked for the length of the first common rafter; it was the only measurement he asked for! He cut every rafter on the house without any further measurements from the crew. The man was a genius when it came to a rafter square and also his understanding of geometry. He would tell us to get our “gizintas” out and would proceed to do mental calculations faster than we could punch numbers into our calculators. I am forever in his debt and have a great appreciation of the marvel that is a rafter square because of him. You remind me of Jim and your video has brought back many fond memories of a true craftsman.

[@micanopykracker902]

Wow dude that's an amazing story

[@SuperSaltydog77]

This channel is pure gold for any skilled tradesman, craftsman or diy homeowner

[@glenkelley6048]

So Glad I found you! I have been wandering around for 70 years not knowing how to use rafter tables. God Bless your fine talent for sharing information! I could sit here all day watching your many fine presentations, but duty call!

[@zombiediarhea]

This cat is a construction legend. He's got knowledge and skills and has worked hard in his lifetime. You can tell by his hands.

[@michaelwaskom5281]

Send them an email and ask them. Seriously! Explain to them, his knowledge, and the ability to teach it. Ask them if they would entertain the thought of working him in somehow. Have you been to Kahn Academy? That guy is an awesome educator.

[@outsidescrewball]

As a homebuilder I have watched thousands of homes under construction and it is a treat to see a roof built from racking all of the material/cuts to the sheathing installation.....

[@paulgewiss9238]

As a carpenter one of my deep seated beliefs is that you never stop learning. I framed homes for twenty-five years and now I just repair them. I think that you need to understand both old and new. I also seek out things that I don't know or see what others know that I don't. So watching this guy explain the various tables on the steel square I was good with him up until the octagon scale which I have a basic understanding of. He was honest about it and I appreciate that. I also appreciate his framing square tuning trick as well as his tools that have clearly been used. Some guys will have brand new tools in their videos. Old dog new tricks the video was worth watching.

[@jamesd1942]

Have you used the octagon scale?? I’ve learned about it from watching other videos, but have only found a very limited amount of information.

[@mdevidograndpacificlumbera1539]

This is awesome man- I'm a woodworker-having worked in a mill, and built many small things, furniture etc, i hardly knew a thing about framing- that was until recently, when i decided to build a workshop in my backyard. It went smoothly until i ran into the roof- having a speed square and carpenters square didn't help because i hardly knew how to use em'! commmon, hip, val... never had to work with or use those terms before. I thought to myself, "I wonder if the essential craftsman has any framing square videos". I watched your skill saw video- which was awesome, I figured you might have one up on squares- that was a couple weeks ago, and sure enough you didn't but lo and behold you just uploaded one! Maybe there's some sub-conscious carpenters hivemind out there in the ether all us woodworkers are tapped into- well, that's it. thanks for taking the time to do this, your a wealth of knowelege. Ps: ignore the haters, your kids are awesome!

[@rickyjames593]

I love that he takes the time to try to help others learn this craft. I'm in my late 30's, always loved working with wood and building things, but definitely not a professional. I love learning new things and little techniques to be better. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.. all the respect in the world to you sir💯

[@cag9284]

I am a carpenter/joiner in England.. and it's a pleasure to watch you sir!

[@Tunafish19847]

By far my favorite KZbin at this point. I'm a framer by trade and I love watching your enthusiasm and respect for the trade. Keep up the amazing work!

[@tristancraddock2562]

Been re-watching these older videos. Scott is an amazing educator. I will have to watch this video a few more times to fully understand the intricacies of the framing square. Interesting how much information is ingrained in those squares and this channel. Keep up the incredible wealth of knowledge!

[@littleshopofsawdust1157]

I sincerely hope that you continue to make a lot more carpentry videos. I love that you present things in a clear, concise manner, spoken from a guy who has a vast amount of experience. I've watched your Skil Saw videos dozens of times. I absolutely love watching you toss that heavy rascal around like a toy. Please continue to offer us gems like these. Thank you sir.

[@deanraynor99]

I have been a carpenter for 50 years now. I guess I have become old school. I have never liked speed squares and even bought them from guys working for me so they could watch me throw them into the dumpster...except in the winter because the speed squares are excellent for scraping ice. I absolutely love your videos and use them to teach young guys

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

I am not a framer or carpenter or anyone who uses a framing square daily, but the information that he shares with is undervalued today. Especially when information is readily available on the internet. I don't care what the techies say. There is no substitute for experience like the Essential Craftsman is sharing with us. Thank you, sir. Now when I look at a framing square, speed square or a tape measure I will remember what you taught us and for that I am grateful.

[@michaelbradford4444]

The folks who write your script really should consult with a real framer if teaching is the true motive for many of their videos. I read the comments where so many praise you so let me join in and say....your a gifted actor who deserves an Emmy for your portrayal of an experienced carpenter!

[@rexoliver7780]

These EC videos have taught me new things and served as reviews for what I was taught in shop class over 40 yrs ago!He so reminds me of my carpentry shop class instructor!I have deep respect for this man-has MANY talents and can do ALL of them WELL!!No many other workmen can do these things!

[@andrewtucker6114]

Glad you left the kid in the video it made me smile. I'm a framer but have only been doing it for around 7 months and your videos are helping me learn things before I have had to do them. Good stuff man!

[@jessieyoung3759]

That table at 13:50 is for making an octogen shaped log , often used for ship masts , and pillars and such. Take a 12x12 timber or saw a solid log crosscut against the grain 90 degrees from the axis of the log . Then you find and measure center point of the log with a scribe and compass (the epicenter of the rings will typically NOT be the epicenter of the log) .Using an awl you make a square on the ends of the log (4 parallel lines). bisect your 4 parallel lines(measure the midpoint of those 4 parallel lines (in shipbuilding this was done with a compass) two horizontal and two vertical. Now take your compass nd you use the marks your referring too to determine the compasses span. Scratch the radius from the midpoint of each of the 4 parallel lines. now you have the outline of your octagon. Also in shipbuilding wooden masts are octaganol , not round at the base that way they can use dowel rods to affix an octagon shaped log with sides the ships hull . they didn't want to use round when attaching to the hull, think of all the gaps and exposed dowel rod if the mast was square it would cause unnecessary weight high on the ship , and catch more side wind.which can cause it to capsize, now what shape is half round half square....?

[@Jekudo]

It is becoming a rare breed that understands tools with that level of accuracy. I've used a speed square & a level about 90% of my career! This man should be the gold standard in teaching carpentry, thanks for sharing.

[@clintbrown4691]

Excellent video as always!!! The table you asked about (someone probably already commented) is an octagon table. Also the multiplication table is also commonly used for board foot calculation. I was very fortunate to learn from my grandfather on how to use a framing square. I've had so many younger guys in the trades work for me didn't have a clue how to use a framing square with that said could barely use a speed square. Hopefully some younger guys are watching and learning thanks for the good videos keep them up.

[@shakoiatenhawithacrossjaco9051]

After working for a construction company for 4 years, o got burnt out and quit my job. I moved to other things and haven’t looked back since. But watching your videos has brought that fire back to life, and I’m helping my cousin build his new shed soon. It’s a small project compared to new houses, but it’s a fun one I’m really looking forward to. Thanks for the inspiration you give to the ones who love the craft

[@lchansocal]

I really appreciate that you are so generous to share your knowledge. In fact, I find so many Chinese Craftsmen they don't want to share what they know. (I am Chinese.) You are such a good narrator I find it easy to learn from you although English is not my first language. Thank you again.

[@bc65925]

One of the best learning days in shop class was the day Dick Rogers spent teaching this lesson. And a little known fact, the angle opposite to the hypotenuse is the female of the species for it is ALWAYS right.

[@JonPyzer]

Ha, ha so true

[@lloydmcknight]

haha, love it!!!

[@nayhem]

That's acute joke, there!

[@jasondoust4935]

@@nayhem Bah-boom, tissshhhh..!

[@555mainesmonsters]

The education you give for free is invaluable! Young guys( yeah,not many because they are so fragile) need to watch every single video you put out, it’s an education like what I got at The North Bennett Street School in Boston( oldest trade school around) which cost me $20,000! Invaluable brother

[@richardbedard1245]

Though I've grown up around tools, used them most of my life, I still appreciate any grain of knowledge pertaining to tools. I really like your videos and I thank you for making the effort to share what you know.

[@MrTeff999]

Scott, I often fail to click a thumbs-up because as soon as one video ends, KZbin starts another and I just keep watching. I just want you to know that I give all your videos a mental thumbs up.

[@polux5136]

Man Im not even a shop guy but I love your videos, I always learn something.

[@lacklustre222]

13:44 This is the octagon scale! Used for laying out octagons, you would align your compass the number of dots for the size of your octagon in inches and this give you the ability to draw an arc equal to half the length of a side to your octagon!

[@timothymalahy7880]

Can you provide a link that explains this well?

[@zephyr1408]

@@timothymalahy7880 time look at make build modify Y-T Channel. I use it to calculate Brd Ft also. The brace calculation are in 100th not inches he had that wrong. For instances it is 67” & 88/100th. Some squares hv 100th So a knee brace with 8’ legs say with a 12’ header needs a brace 48” over 48” braced 67” 88/100th. He was extremely close but he forgot Brd Ft calculations which are on the square. An “Empire Brand” also gives stud tables ect. I use my speed square to cut Birds mouths on rafters based on size. Chk out that channel now that guy is super smart. Also watch Skill Builder over in the UK those guys cuts roofs on those old house like no ones business!! I am a finish guy but like I said use it and my speed square a lot ! A good carpenter is way smarter than the smartest office dweller!

[@iron352]

Thank u

[@WILSON.1]

This video made me take my grandfathers old rusty framing square and wire wheel it clean. Now I can see all of the little markings and numbers again. A whole new tool, and it looks great now, too! Thanks!

[@gocherbak]

The 18-24-30 marks refer to a 3-4-5 triangle, which is not 30-60-90 degrees, but rather approximately 37-53-90 degrees. You can Google this and get more info. The beauty of a 3-4-5 triangle is that it is easy to make a 90 degree triangle with any tape measure using multiples of 3, 4, and 5. That's my only contribution. Great video!!! Thks. I learned so much!

[@wojak91]

This man is easily the most skilled, most knowledgeable, most professional, and overall BEST carpenter on KZbin. I would hire this guy to work with me any day.

[@iyarigarcia4938]

SourGrapes can you pay what he ask for easily 50 an hour

[@edwilliams4793]

@@iyarigarcia4938 If you can keep up, his instruction is worth that much and much more…

[@gregkimura5906]

Great videos. I am an engineer by education, but I love working on houses. I work on the houses over the weekend and I've worked on almost every part of the house, except pouring a driveway or framing a house. When I'm working on a house, I have to focus one just the task at hand, which helps clear the stress of my "regular" 9-5 job. I appreciate you sharing your expertise and knowledge - I've never worked for a contractor, nor as a contractor, so I don't know any "tricks of the trade". Thanks again for sharing! I put what I learn here to good use!

[@BryanKnight877]

also the width of the skinny side of a framing square is 1-1/2", perfect for marking both sides of where to put a stud when laying out a top or bottom plate

[@juniorkong9587]

Why would you need to mark two sides to fix something whose width is constant?

[@MrAmartin09]

Its common on jobs with a lot of people, that the super will layout and your framers will come in after him. The framers might have somebody a little less experienced so its best to be as explicit as possible. Its also handy for laying out your jacks.

[@RamonHernandez-ux4uz]

I used to put an X after the 16" or 24" mark back in 1971

[@markklaus4558]

AKA the tongue.

[@carlcox7332]

@@RamonHernandez-ux4uz thats what we always do.

[@glennwiebe5128]

Even though it's been several years since I framed custom houses, it sure is good to know what all that stuff on my square was for. I learned to figure it all out "long hand". I bet you I could have cut years off my life by using my square properly! I look forward to each of your videos. They are always informative and mildly entertaining. When it's blacksmithing, or related to such, life gets better! More blacksmithing videos - please! Keep forging! Blessings....

[@John-xo3cv]

Starting a new hobby project and I often come back to your videos for a refresher. These kind of lessons save so much time when trying to complete a project on schedule and right the first time.

[@jdahighroller9389]

3 minutes and 40 seconds into this video and I have to stop and just say this guy is amazing and this is what makes America great, sharing knowledge... Those three minutes make me feel like a carpenter already even though I'm a plumber that shys away from carpentry duties

[@pierredelecto7069]

Man i should of watched this before i spent a few days trying to level plumb and square an old shed. Thanks for teaching me. Ill make sure to help anyone who is as clueless as i was. Ill point them to your videos, you sir are skilled at instruction.

[@jdgunner75]

I wanted to take a moment to thank you, I found this to be one of the best videos on KZbin. I will subscribe and see what else you have, again thank you I appreciate it.

[@jakefancote4049]

Great video, very helpful. The dots are a "Octagonal table" used for Marking square beams into octagons. Ref: Essential guide to the steel square by Ken Horner.

[@Barbarian_6]

I've been in construction for 30 years and just now learned how to use a framing square. I've been looking for a video to teach this for a long time. Thanks.

[@bigtrshrod]

Just found my newest favorite channel . I see a lot of what my dad tried to pass on to me . Although he still alive I doubt I could ever recapture what it was like when I should have paid more attention to him . My dad could do anything with at skill saw and a framing square . Thanks for the memory throw back

[@articchar-lf]

Thanks to all of you. I saw my boss in landscaping using this venetian scale for complex stone cutting but never managed to get an explanation on what it was. You guys are legends!

[@billworkman1420]

From a fellow carpenter of 30 years, well done sir and keep up the good work and videos.

[@peterpeterson9903]

Thanks for this video, you are a gent and a knowledgeable man and clearly very proud of your knowledge and skills built up over many years. many YT videos are people who like to think they know their game and talk incoherently and ramble on. You get to the point and instil confidence in your ability to relay information to me. I ordered a Swanson 7 inch speed square yesterday complete with rafter book. It should be here any hour now, I am actually genuinely excited to get this in my hand and try it out! I am finishing the walls walls and building a roof on my extension at the weekend and although I have built roofs before, with new knowledge since learnt and my speed square it is going to let me be more productive and accurate. I am looking forward to using it. I also watched all the Larry Haun videos, he seems to be a bit of a cult carpenter, he has 3 full hour long videos on building a house. I enjoy watching him effortlessly work with his brother to build a house.

[@benjaminchaney6598]

obvious years of expertise and genuine desire to transfer the knowledge. thank you for producing these videos, I have given them to my guys as an example so that they can learn some of these basic and time-saving Technics. I also have learned many of these tricks over the years under other competent carpenters and value such a good portrayal of what is valued as a contractor in a video form.

[@SHOTSLAPOUT]

Wow; I'm going to have to watch this a few more times, that was a lot of information. As an electrician, I just use the framing square as a straight edge & the speed square for short straight edge and angles to cut cable tray.

[@BlackSmith222]

I like this video. Excellent description. My dad hardly used any of these speed squares or framing square tools. He built many wood projects using a straight scale. Yet he was accurate in angles, pitch. I learned a lot seeing his wood projects.

[@billydlux9875]

I’m an electrician and frequently use a sheet rock saw to cut open holes that are a huge pain for a dry Waller to patch . Thank you for this info!

[@49woodie]

His pencil at the end - 'Economy Lumber" in Oakland, Ca. Used them for years, great yard. Thanks for the info, always learn from your videos.

[@jamesd1942]

As others have mentioned, that scale is the octagon scale. After watching a few other videos and a little bit of reading, I believe the easiest way to explain the octagon scale is this: The length taken from measuring the scale is 1/2 the length of one side of an octagon with a diameter (perpendicular length between two parallel sides) corresponding to the number on the scale. You can also take your diameter and multiply by 0.414 to get the length of the sides directly. I imagine this would come in handy when laying out/framing octagonal and semi-octagonal rooms. I noticed someone mentioned that pipe fitters use this scale regularly. I would love to learn more about how this is applied if anyone knows more.

[@ZombieGamingMetalhead]

I really enjoy watching your videos and learning new things. I grew up helping my father and uncle doing all of this and mechanic work. I always have loved doing it but now since I became disabled I'm limited on some things especially climbing ladders and roofs which is depressing. But I have been working on getting myself better so I can do the things I love doing again. I am 44 years old and have done these things since I was around 10.

[@Sabrina-wn6ey]

Love your videos. Know that you are teaching the next generation of builders and we appreciate it. I have learned so much from you and the older volunteers we have at the job site. They give me all their 'old man tricks'. I look forward to passing the knowledge on to my kids eventually. For now I teach volunteers how to build houses for Habitat.

[@austinheywood3255]

I just came back to watch this video... You two have come a long way in polishing your videos, but I loved it just as much now as I did 4 years ago! You are full of great knowledge! I wish that I could work along side you and soak up even a portion of that knowledge! Thank you for making Essential Craftsman... And keep up the good work!!!

[@aaronbrown284]

I wish I had someone near me that would teach me all the things like your videos do I love love love all this awesome info you give, thank you so much for sharing so much with us!

[@MrRcarney2010]

I have just recently subscribed to your channel (sent from AvE) I am a fully qualified mechanical engineer maths has always hindered me along with spelling I have had the metric system drilled into me from birth being from the uk but this last year I have been back at school retraining in aeronautical engineering. as this industry is all stuck in the imperial age I am having to relearn how to read a tape this video has taught me a lot. I love watching your videos in all aspects I wish I had the space for my own forge I must thank you for sharing your experience with us younger guys you cannot learn this in schools. I hope you and family have a fantastic new year thank you again from Scotland

[@henrymorgner1562]

Wow.I am back in school.thank you for refreshing me up on the carpenters square.you sir are an asset to my tool box.

[@merrittbeymer5102]

Hi Scott, the framing square I have that was my Grandfathers, is a Nichols, identical to the one you were given. Because it was so covered in rust or grime, I didn't realize the tables existed until I saw this video. Thank you, I love using my Grandfather's tools, it's great to add this old school information to my work, as opposed to always using the modern calculator method. Thank you!

[@MoGhotbi]

Thank you, Scott. It's always a pleasure to hear you explain something.

[@bc2595]

Loved the video cutting rafters and stair stringers is becoming a lost skill with stamped trusses and precut stringers at the big box stores. People have lost this ability. Very useful knowledge when you simply have to frame in a section of roof that just can't be prefabricated or when cutting stringers to an unlevel piece of ground the pre cut stringers just can't be cut to account for the difference. Was told once by an old school Carpenter that the Framing square has a 1000 uses and not one man knows all of its secrets, kinda evident here thank you for passing this info along.

[@dalestrain7086]

As a former flooring installer, I used to set my dividers(scribers) to the width of the square. I could then take off a pattern pretty quick and use the square as a cutting edge. Speed and efficiency, I think you'd appreciate Scott. We used 15 lb felt for pattern making, some cuts 6 x 30 to 40 ft dropping through doorways with no seams.

[@smokerx893]

i went to school for this and didn't have as much of this explained. i wish i had had access to this kind of informational instruction 20 years ago. i would have been making much more a lot sooner. and it would have settled a lot of arguments i had with my older brother.

[@ncshpfox]

Great video. Recently found your channel and subscribed. Had a carpenter friend help me lay out the stairs to my basement. It was a tight fit down to a landing and once he figured out the rise/run of the steps he used two little buttons that attached to the framing square to mark the two points. They sort of screw onto the side of the square. I'm not a professional and had never seen them used before. But it made quick work of laying out the cuts for the stairs.

[@marcsheldon6512]

Tuning a framing square? I had no idea that could be done.....I'll will be tuning my grandpa's/ dad's framing square so I can keep the legacy going...thank you so much!

[@williamstreet8848]

just stumbled upon your videos. as Carpenter it is very refreshing to see someone you actually does this type of work passing knowledge rather that some underexperenced college kid .... thank you and I look forward to any future videos

[@Arariel3]

The moment you said you didn't know what those marks were on that framing square you earned my like and comment! I have no idea either! I've never seen those marks before.

[@matthumphries2190]

Thank you for your willingness to teach and share your years of knowledge both with work and life.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

I've really been enjoying your content. I'm currently working in general carpentry in Ohio, mostly smaller jobs that others wouldn't do. During my time in Japan, I spent roughly a year as a carpenter and learned the traditional measuring system. It's similar in scope to the Imperial measuring system used in the US, but works in units of 10, like the Metric system. Some tape measures still come with both the Metric and Japanese systems printed on them. Here's a rough description of the traditional Japanese measuring system: . 1 bu or 一分 (smallest unit used in construction, pronounced 'boo') .......... 10 bu = 1 sun or 一寸 (about 1 inch, pronounced 'soon') .........1.........2.........3.........4.........5.........6.........7.........8.........9.........10 sun = 1 shaku or 一尺 (Slightly less than 1 ft., pron. 'SHA-koo') 1 shaku = 303mm 3 jaku* = 910mm 6 shaku = 1820mm -Sheets of board (plywood, drywall, etc.) are commonly sold in 3尺 x 6尺 or 910mm x 1820mm. They fit snugly in the bed of a kei (pron. 'kay') truck or van. -Common people don't know this system and it seems to be nearly gone as the Metric system continues its takeover. However, there's a folktale called Issun-boushi/The 1-Sun Boy (similar to Tom Thumb, perhaps?), that most people know and would be their only exposure to the traditional measuring system. *Pronunciation changes depending on the number a word is paired with. This is a common, and confusing, aspect of the language. There will be a test next week. :D

[@VgniK88]

Encyclopaedia love watching your videos learned so much, thanks. From Melbourne Australia

[@bryanwalker7031]

Scott, I've spent the evening binge watching your videos. Thank you. I've learned quite a bit about 'falling' and forging and anvils. Great videos, quality work, I'm most impressed. Keep up the great work. I've sent a link to my cousin in Nova Scotia as well. Like yourself, he's an artisan (he doesn't forge), so no doubt he'll appreciate your videos as much as I have.

[@BrianDaleNeeley]

Excellent video (as always). This one was PARTICULARLY information dense, and I will probably forget a good deal before I need to make use of any of this (but I know where to refresh my memory!). I also realize that you didn't cover EVERYTHING about using the carpenter's square (particularly the little clamps (I forget the name) that they use for cutting stair ?risers?). And I personally LIKE seeing kids in videos (appropriately). It helps to show people aren't simply instructing (like some professor in a classroom), but are LIVING a LIFE. The children are around, but not in the work area. And you aren't too busy to stop and enjoy the reasons for living. Finally, I think I have been subscribed about three months, and in that time the number of subscribers has TRIPLED!! Awesome growth, and I hope you can keep it going! Good work, and I'm glad to see a well-deserved channel take off!

[@jrnull1]

those little clamps are called "stair gauges", I have about 20 sets spread around various toolboxes, tool bags and tool belts, very handy for various angled cuts, not just stairs

[@thomasarussellsr]

good way to set up repeated measures as well.

[@tjpeters99]

also called "stair dogs" out west

[@thomasarussellsr]

***** in the SouthEast as well.

[@klmbuilders5385]

I have a designated spot in my work bus (yes, bus) for several pair of gauges. I also carry one pair clamped to one of my toolbelt pocket lips.

[@TheEnergyball]

Thank you for sharing. I enjoy learning basics of carpentry and how to get more out of my tools. This was an excellent tutorial. I have an old framing square a friend left to me years ago and had NO clue how much of a respectable tool this was! Thanks again.

[@bjcoveney5306]

Except a metal joist they go both ways slope or flat.(on a metal building) We mostly us a carpenter square in the steel shop to set the miter. "Or what we call the pitch" I think it's AWSOME how we all use the "run, the rise, the slope" Love your work! Thank you

[@kevinburks110]

The dot scale in increments of five are for laying out octagons! I knew how to do it once when I was in carpentry school but, that was a long time ago!

[@jonathanfriedlander3111]

A depth of knowledge displayed that even the trade school tutors wouldnt have a clue about , thanks for passing on many long lost skills.

[@RJMx-zz8nq]

Another warm and friendly video. I learned a few new things and am encouraged to learn more. Thank you Scott so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. It is truly a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@bigcountry1165]

Education isn't always the most important thing. I had a Great Uncle who never finished school yet learned every mark and table on the Steel Square and though he did not work for the County in which he lived back in the 30's and 40's the county would call upon him to lay out and advise in the construction of every bridge that was built in the county. No one else evidently could figure out how to do the job as efficient as he could by simply using that one tool. Though I have done carpentry and welding both a good deal of my life, I wish I was as smart as a man who never finished school.

[@TNels]

Glad to see you touch on trueing your square. I've witnessed people who aren't aware you can do this and have a collection of "bad" squares. I like a simple ball-peen hammer for that job myself, but a center punch is probably more precise.

[@floydoharejr4477]

Great video! Maybe you could do one on the 3,4,5 method of squaring and one on using string to straighten a wall...Thanks

[@MTN831]

Those dots on the square are used for gauges when building stairs. I had no idea since I am just getting started in carpentry, so I had to ask my brother, he's a union carpenter and is pretty knowleknowledge. Thanks for the videos. I have learned a lot of useful information!

[@nathanielschmierer1674]

Glad you got to use the anvil that you love so much. Not many carpenters AND blacksmiths around. I happen to appreciate the same things. Finish carpenter/ cabinet maker by trade, but love metalworking as well. Great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@mountainmanmike8383]

Never be able to thank you for all you have taught me with your channel !!! Thank you so much!!

[@savageoffroadmowers6199]

This has been very informative,now unlike your common run of the mill construction worker I actually read and still reference my Swanson little blue book but seeing it broken down visually by an experienced elder definitely gives a higher understanding of the concepts you simply cannot attain from simply reading.

[@ToddtheExploder]

One of the best investments I ever made was when I bought buttons for my framing square. They are hexagonal brass markers that clamp to your square with screws, and are a real time-saver when laying out stair stringers. When not in use, I clamp them to the leather hammer loop on my bags.

[@snort455]

Your lecture is incredibly clear. This KZbin video the result of a l lot of knowledge and preparation. Thank you for the wonderful explanation! My boss showed me how to use framing square when I was a puppy. I wish he was alive today. He could certainly tell us what the last scale you showed represents. If it comes to mind, Ill let you know. Thanks again

[@stroys7061]

I love your videos and I always read the comments. You have the best videos on the net and you have the sharpest viewers/commenters anywhere. Please keep up the good work.

[@billyoc225]

Best explanation I've ever heard of that dark art. Glad I'm an Ironworker!