How To Use A Speed Square

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Swanson Speed Square Bundle: tinyurl.com/y2dbx949 ⏱TIMESTAMPS Below! 0:00 Intro 0:12 Right Angles 0:32 Scribe Notches 1:07 Layout Markings 1:39 2x4 Wall Layout 2:09 Common Rafter Plumb Lines 4:21 Make A Birds Mouth 5:11 The Diamond 6:09 Hip-Val Rafter Plumb Lines 6:46 Protractor 7:13 Square Walls 7:34 Find Roof Pitch 8:38 Outro

[@MichaelMantion]

@5:35 you said 45 degree you meant 90 degree

[@Redhackle]

Your the first person to explain this and I actually understood it. Thank you .

[@general5104]

I've had one of these for at least 30 years, but I know very little about it. I just use it for laying out steel. I was a machinist for most of my life. We used a tri-square, but I was in my friend's welding shop and I saw his aluminum square and liked it. He told me where to get one. Until you told all that stuff on this video, I didn't know it existed before. ( I can build walls, bore holes for the wire and pull the wire in and hook it all up, but all the roof pitches, I left that up to the carpenters.) I knew the various other marks were there. I thought it might mean METRIC or something. Thanks for your video. I SUBBED

[@Deeked]

I've known for a very long time that these tools are extremely valuable in the right hands. I'm a commercial electrician that started in residential 35 years ago. Thank you so much for taking the time to show me the details.

[@omar-qe6dy]

Thanks for taking the time to explain something so simple, but so neccessary.

[@deathunter25]

Awesomeness one of the beat tutorials I have ever seen on here

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you! I hope it helps!

[@notme8121]

Holy cow I've been using squares all my life I didn't know most of that information! Thank you so much for the great information on video

[@markwhitton8785]

Can I just say you explained the birdsmouth tail marking a million times better than any of the other 20 or so KZbinrs I watched earlier today 👍👍. Also, like the Ron Swanson brand 😊.

[@paulh.7833]

Worked a quick fence replacement recently and found that using the flat side and small lip is a quick and efficient way to line up slats on your saw to cut identical lengths. Meaning after my top board was marked for cutting, I stacked it on top of 2-3 more, using my 12" miter saw, and used the flat side and lip to perfectly line the end of the boards up.

[@ralph3333]

And a hammer works great 4 turning compost.🤪

[@caseyweaver9057]

Thank You Josh for keeping it simple and to the point I learned alot because I was not bored to death with all the unneeded information

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for letting me know. I’m glad I could help you without boring you to death LOL. Stay tuned!

[@dennisjohnson5131]

I'm ready to build a shed and this video gave me the confidence to do what is needed. Thanks so much.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That’s great. I’m glad I could help you Dennis! Good luck on your project!

[@Ranchpig67]

Best use is a crosscut guide. Perfectly straight cut everytime!

[@TheElevenBravo]

I love you Josh! I love your work, your humility, your passion for what you do and, obviously, your well-done videos(watch them every single day !) God bless you and your work, Josh! -I wish I had one tenth of your abilities,knowledge and skills! Much love and respect! ❤️💪👏👏👏👏

[@rhondaberg5644]

I never realized how handy this tool was.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Yes there’s so many things you can do with it. Thanks for watching!

[@billybowman3891]

It’s not gonna do the dishes for you…

[@Sam590ss]

I watched my grandpa use one for years, whipped it around like a ninja, but never explained what he was doing with it. They're certainly pretty handy to have around!

[@Sam590ss]

Sorry man, I bought a Milwaukee from Home Depot before I saw this video. But! I am a subscriber lol

[@jess60901]

Strictly Top-Shelf presentation & information--thank you, Josh. Please be well!

[@rochiellebevans1783]

This is amazing. I never used any of this stuff and i have 2 Speed Squares.

[@naemonyoumans4975]

Josh I gain a abundant of knowledge from your video keep up the good work.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for letting me know! I’m glad I could help. Be sure to stay tuned for more!

[@gregr1672]

I don't understand why angles mess with my head so badly ! I like your explanation of the Diamond on the Speed Square though! I never really got what the extra markings on the speed square were for. I used to lay out quite a bit with a good framing square with the rafter tables on it. I worked for a very good independent carpenter as an assistant ,and eventually he sent me on jobs alone .Cutting in sky lights ,Building small window dormers ,crickets for chimneys ! In all of the work I did ,I never really grasped all of the capabilities of the speed square .Amazing what it is capable of. Nearly 66 years old now ,tons of houses,additions,dormers and almost anything you could imagine ,angles still mess with my head. Compound angles especially ! I am in the midst of building another intermodal wood shed and am torturing myself cutting birds mouth rafters and putting nice overhangs on shed all around instead of taking the easy way using rather ties plates etc. So thanks for your videos ! A young fella would be well served to learn the things your are teaching . I worked night shift as a welder fabricator repairman ,and did carpentry in the mornings assisting contractor friends .Due to layoffs through my life I always kept my hand in construction . Building skills put food on my table when there was very little or no other work and my saws and tools were best investment I ever made. Embrace the Trades

[@rochiellebevans1783]

You did an amazing job. Thank you.

[@roberto.peterson9917]

there is so much information and speed functions built into all the squares most people don't know about or how there should be a a school class just about them is there a text book on how to use the different squares and how to use them

[@johnmcguire5594]

Great job young man thank you. Happy building.

[@notme8121]

That's the first video of yours I've watched and I subscribed liked and saved it. I don't think I've ever done that on a video before. It's great to see smart people out there

[@Metal_seer]

Great review. Easy to understand. Thanks.

[@bendugas8632]

I never knew this going to buy one and study it, I was dowing all framing using a 12 x 18 framing square thanks

[@hootcompute]

Learning how to use the speed square will be very useful in some of my home projects. Helpful video, thanks very much.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate you stopping by and watching my video!

[@fernandovelasquez7883]

Excellent video and very good and clear instructions! Keep them good videos coming and appreciate you providing a world of knowledge! God bless my friend!

[@charleyhobgood1319]

Thanks, Josh! Really appreciate it!

[@jesusisalive3227]

Unbelievably useful tool!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

It sure is!

[@sjfsr]

I remember old packaging for speed squares having these tips on it. He was marking the angles upside down. Like where he said it was 25 degree line, he did it from the top so he removed 25 degrees from 90, which made it a 65 degree line.

[@CarnivorePhil]

I’m glad to see a refresher cause I’d forgotten how to use a few of the sets of numbers haha

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@jbourdier6824]

Very clear explanation, thanks

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching!

[@jbrise7560]

Very straightforward, thanks! 👍

[@notme8121]

Okay now I get it, the string was blocking it and I wasn't sure which line of numbers to look at. But after reviewing it again I get it. Thanks

[@robertarguello1115]

Thank you for the tutorial Josh. 👍

[@jeremyd1590]

Another fantastic and helpful video. Thanks man!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome Jeremy!

[@territodude]

Good stuff to brush up on thanks!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome! The speed square rocks!

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

You make things so clear.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Benson!

[@KeithSader]

Thanks for the review. I knew this stuff a long time ago, but disuse. Thanks again!

[@X19-x5f]

Lots of great info. Thanks for posting!

[@farooqsaeed6904]

I just learn how to use it thanks bady for your nice useful knowledge.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad I could help you. Be sure to stay tuned for more!

[@redbyron10]

Great to the point explanation

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for stopping by and watching!

[@jiggacho]

Appreciate the knowledge.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you. I appreciate you watching!

[@kevenwoods3207]

Hey man great job ,Josh keep the videos coming I learned a lot your presentation was right on point

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Keven!

[@noahb.7838]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome! 😃

[@Skipdogg15]

They can also be make shift levels. Hold the long side on top of whatever your leveling and put a plumb bob in the pivot point, whenever it intersects 45 on the long side your level.

[@melvinw.quinene841]

Thanks for sharing this excellent tutorial,now I know what the line and diamond is for, a birds mouth 👍🏻

[@roy.h.barrett]

Good Stuff Josh. Thanks man!

[@Manny-mq8gm]

Great tutorial

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Much appreciated!

[@rolfhayman6482]

Thanks Josh you explained that so simple . Really nice to know

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Rolf!

[@angelcorrea1726]

Thanks man you have refreshed my mind well explained

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@framnerdan]

I learnt something today! Thanks Josh.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for letting me know Amazing! I know you use a speed square daily

[@framnerdan]

Honestly Josh I do not have one! I see others with them. I use a framing square. Did your windows show up?

[@jasonrr9817]

This is handy. Im a machinist that finds myself programming cnc machines for framing timbers and im the only one in the office with no construction background. But i still, as a metal and glass guy wonder how one scribes with a sharpie. One of many terms that overlap but mean something completely different 😆

[@ceaser6411]

Very informative video and explained well thanks

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that. The speed square is an awesome tool once you learn how to use it. Good luck with your projects!

[@fresnobassn744]

I understood everything u said Thanks 👍👍

[@DoubleDoubleWithOnions]

Really good info. Thanks so much.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Jeff. I’m glad I can help!

[@thepewplace1370]

Great video! I'd like to add that the depth of your birds mouth heel cut is important and people need to check their local codes for minimum and maximum depth. You can use the speed square, placing the pivot point at the bottom end of you plumb line, and mark the height of your heel cut, then use the perpendicular marker to make your seat cut mark. Alternately, with Swanson squares (and others modeled the same), you can use the diamond and line to index on your plumb line, place the pivot on the edge, and mark your seat line (again, check your local code and the material you're using as this will produce a specific height heel). I suspect you're about to talk about this in the next part of the video lol.

[@hajiothman4050]

Great explanation. Thank you so much sir.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that!

[@luisc7507]

Very nicely done.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you! I hope that helps!

[@MrDeleoco]

Learned much in 🕘 nine minutes... Valuable tool Thanks for the lesson 🙂

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad I could help!

[@darthsalinas5445]

Excellent video sir. .✌️😎

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that! Thank you.

[@kenmyers1324]

I knew there was a reason my speed square came with a manual that's a half inch thick 😂 cheers 🍻

[@chichidouglas5078]

They come with a little book attached to it that explains how to use it and also has some basic rafter formulas and instructions

[@paintilludrop]

Your point works, unless like me a new person to woodworking, was handed this in class, teacher just assume I knew how to work it.. only thing I knew was somehow it lined up straight across. I was able to watch this video, have basic info..67 year old first time working with wood.

[@robertoarango5425]

I just fell in love with you Josh 😂Great video. Thanks

[@dakota5440]

Great job again bud

[@scottparrott6669]

Thank you!

[@jhippl]

right to the point and one of the best explanations ive seen. now i need to get a smaller one i got a huge one not knowing what i needed.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Oh yeah are used to have one of those but never used it. Definitely need to get the normal size one. I think there’s a link in the description to it. Thanks for watching!

[@teddahrable]

@TheExcellentLaborer I use a 12" speed square for rafter framing. The 7" won't mark anything wider than a 2x6 without extra steps. That being said, there's been a 7" speed square in my pocket since 1986. And it's not a Johnson or a Swanson it's a flourescent-pink Empire because THAT one hasn't been stolen in 30 years. There weren't many around in my neck of the woods in the early '80's most people were using combination squares and framing squares. My first two aluminum ones lasted about 6 months each, and when I found this pink one in a brand-new box store (first time in a Home Depot), I thought ... "No self-respecting manly carpenter would steal this, it's too easy to recognize," and once I wrote my name on it, I knew it couldn't be erased! Thanks for the primer, I'm glad guys like our do this because I'm too old to play this making videos game.

[@omgoddess7]

Love your explanation! 🔥🔥

[@victorgalindo6201]

Thanks for your information 👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@charleswulff3732]

Excellent, I thank you very much.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Outstanding Informative video Sir Cheers

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate this comment. Thanks for watching!

[@stanhudson2802]

As a plumber, I like to do carpentry, and I didn’t know what half the things were……now I do, thanks. Never too old to learn.

[@S.C.S_Construction]

Love your channel great content

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@0flyswatter0]

Answers a bunch of questions.

[@durumbadiwe1171]

Nice one dude

[@tristantaus4556]

I got the same one thanks for video

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

It’s a good tool! Thanks for watching.

[@morningstar4473]

Good Job Thank you

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you King!

[@outdoorzone]

Great stuff!!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you! I appreciate that! I hope it helps you out.

[@teddyboy252]

Good job

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you!

[@tristanberg7575]

Helped alot

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Great!

[@charlesjacksoniii8787]

Great tips.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks! Stay tuned for more!

[@donfrank4429]

Thanks!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@donfrank4429]

@TheExcellentLaborer always good to brush up on using equipment

[@ralphpomm4943]

Thank you 🙏

[@newageautotechnology]

Thanks. I'll go to home depot and get one.

[@velezjose2932]

Great great video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@1977visa]

They make different squares for different types of jobs as well. Like doing decks and handrails. Also. To find the long cut of an angle, mark the pivot point and then mark the common angle from the 90* pivot point, now just rotate to the common mark you made and that’s the long side of the angle.

[@Ty-bz7zx]

Good stuff. thnx

[@chrismoody1342]

One of the number one functions for me is a saw guide for a square cross cut.

[@bogdankovzan4900]

Thanks 👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are very welcome!

[@diane-mn8ou]

Thankyou

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

No problem!

[@canadiantrucker9574]

Ooooh, somebody got a new Christmas present

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Maybe LOL. I have owned a speed square since I’ve been 13. One of the best tools I have ever had! Thanks for watching man

[@canadiantrucker9574]

I bought my first speed square a few months ago after watching an older video you did on speed squares. Absolutely wonderful tools. Thanks for the content

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That’s so cool man! Thanks for letting me know I helped you on your decision on getting a tool. I hope it serves you well.

[@T.E.P.]

super great explanation ... eager to see how the channel grows this year!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

One video at a time. I’m excited people like my content. Thanks for subscribing!

[@VATOR2010]

AWESOME!!!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks you! Please share!!

[@edwinpalacios5272]

Thank you,

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

What is that small diamond mark on the speed square ---used for. ?--looks hollow ?

[@noname657]

Nice!

[@stevenlengyel9701]

Rafter cuts that my difficult issue, thanks

[@Roham]

I tried to sub but I'm already subbed!!

[@franks4973]

Nice

[@roydodd4694]

❤❤it😊😊😊

[@SovanoraHounKhin]

Great education, :)

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that!