Measuring Tools by PEC, Robs Unboxing

Still more audio trouble so another archive video to keep you busy. I found these tools several years ago and have been thoroughly impressed. We now carry the tools I find most useful. Here they are robcosman.com/...
Back to the drawer making later today.

[@SgtElev3n]

what I get from this is that the $700 square is ridiculously overpriced

[@uhavenosushi]

The $700 tool is a starrett. One that big (12”) is very expensive because it is insanely accurate. They are machinists tools however, and that level of precision is not necessary in woodworking. For machining, worth every penny.

[@daveherman8255]

When you found the 12 inch combination square slightly out of square, you had the end of the straight edge slightly inserted into the body. I have found that this can introduce apparent error. Try pulling the straight edge out so it is almost flush with the body’s edge and check again! The problem with adjusting by filing as you suggested if the straight edge end is too far inserted, is that the combination square might then be off square when used with the end protruding from the body.

[@scottmartin7717]

This drove me nuts! There is no way that PEC sent out a premium hardened set this bad (let alone to a famous woodworker/youtuber/new distributer) and he tightened it up in such a hurry that I knew this is what he did. If their blem squares are max a thou then no way he had it set correctly

[@TheRaven0811]

I have heard what you are calling an awl a scribe. I'm no expert on this myself...

[@MrTooTechnical]

Center finder is that “other” piece. Great vid.

[@danielgeng2306]

dave daved you beat me to it ! Lol

[@thomashuard7402]

In the video, you checked the combination square against the $700 Starrett machinest square and found it was slightly out of square. How would you measure the squareness if you didn't have a $700 Starrett?

[@scottmartin7717]

I don't have a starrett and I check mine against 1. Assumed good engineer squares from Groz (not too expensive but very accurate in my experience) 2. A multitude of engineer squares, combo squares, and speed squares because they can't all be wrong in the same ways 3. The simple line test. Get the straightest surface you can find, press square against it, strike a line using a fine lead pencil. Flip square over and repeat line on top of the first... They should have no deviation. Or strike the first line using a marking knife, flip square over and strike another line a small distance apart and then use dividers or calipers to check for a uniform distance between them. You can also check them for parallel this way.

[@thomashuard7402]

@@scottmartin7717 Duh! I should have known that trick with the square and flipping it around. Old age is slowly creeping in I suppose. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Thanks for jogging my memory.

[@scottmartin7717]

@@thomashuard7402 :D no problem bud (I'm only 35 but old age gets me all the time!)

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Engineers squares are similar to slip gauges, they are made in different grades. The Sterrett would also have less movement in differing temperatures having a larger blade and stock. You cant really compare the two by simply placing them against each other. In a precision engineering/machinist environment the Sterrett would win hands down. Hence the price.

[@trebushett2079]

A couple have mentioned the Y shaped piece is a centre finder, but didn't make it clear - the centre of what!. It's for marking the centre positions on the end of a round bar or dowel. Scribe one line against the rule part crossing its centre, rotate the finder about 90 degs and scribe another line. Where the lines cross is the centre of the round bar. To be really accurate, you have to use a really sharp pencil or metal scriber.

[@eddraper]

Hi Rob - Please no more Chinese products. I've really had enough of them.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Not Chinese, half of the PEC stuff is US made and the solid squares are from India.

[@eddraper]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking Thanks Rob

[@Dahna_]

why would a wood worker need a 700 dollar micro high precision starrett made of high grade steel hardened to resist extreme high or low temperature changes when as soon as you finish making a table and your customer gets it home in a different environment the wood is going to contract and expand at various points anyway?

[@kennethturner9581]

No offense I love your work but this video kinda seems like a cash grab

[@TankGunner84]

I wouldn’t want a $700 square!! I’d be to afraid to even use the damn thing!

[@adamswinford8848]

I just received the square set in a couple days ago, they are awesome! Thank you!

[@ii1825]

How come none of the prices you are quoting are the same as on your website? Every price on your website is higher than what you are saying.

[@brianmiller6304]

They are having tech problems, so that's why no continuation with the drawer series I believe. This is an older video from when they first started carrying PEC products so prices have gone up since then. See description above the comments. These are really good tools and accurate.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Like Brian said, old video in lieu of the drawer making series that will post today. Some tech issues to resolve. PRC raised prices last year, in fact I think they had two price increases since this was filmed.

[@christopherwalker2633]

Centreing square is the fee shaped portion of the combination square - Finds the centre of a round bar

[@dafickler]

I just started purchasing PEC about a month ago. One of the best decisions I've made for my shop. They are VERY nice tools. I'm jealous of your collection :D

[@scottmartin7717]

Because of Katz Moses or Inspire Woodcraft? Lol all these videos came out at the same time and that's how I found out myself. They are my favorite tools now hands down.

[@dafickler]

@@scottmartin7717 Katz! lol I decided to give them a shot and I was blown away by the quality.

[@scottmartin7717]

@@dafickler ha I knew it! I need to get me some dividers, provided they are made in USA

[@1320crusier]

That y shaped piece is for centering I believe.

[@richstrawn7532]

Where can I order the 12inch solid square ? Thank you, Richard Strawn

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

On our site robCosman.com

[@bproffer]

PEC tools are great. I use their combo squares, t-square and solid squares. Btw, the piece in the combo square kit you weren’t sure about is a center finder.

[@Rich32262]

I tend towards vintage measuring tools (e.g. Starrett, Brown & Sharpe) and saw this video. Either of the two brands I mentioned for a 3" square on Ebay are about $30. and up and usually have some pitting and/or previous owner engraving. PEC it is! Thank you for yet another fantastic video. BTW, I'm Rich from Jupiter that won a dovetail saw recently. You weren't kidding, second attempt was fantastic. Your saws are fantastic!

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

Its a center finder Rob

[@goldendogwoodworks6675]

I have known of PEC for a couple of years. They are just a few blocks away from my place.

[@scottmartin7717]

I wish they did videos of shop tours and more media and promotional stuff. Got to love an American company making awesome, high quality precision tools. Let them know for me when you get a chance

[@goldendogwoodworks6675]

Scott Martin not all Pec tools are made here. If any company no matter where they are located use high quality materials with strict specifications can make quality materials.

[@wolverinebear5357]

Taytools you can find discounted PEC an if ur lucky Starret measuring tools that are blemished.

[@reverendsonhouse]

Great Video! Thanks! How do you feel about one-piece vs. two-piece machinist squares? And are either one more appropriate for a particular application? And are either one more accurate?

[@joshuahasson9687]

Rob, what do you use to clean new tools right out of the package that come oiled? Then I assume you reapply some protective oil, what is that?

[@JujU2o1o]

But is the stock in the PEC squares hardened? If it isnt its more prone to get get damaged causing error. Also the blade-stock connection, is it as reliable as the starret? These are key points not mentioned.

[@dcusator]

I have a number of these and the quality is excellent. The paper is a rust preventative for shipping. Great videos Rob.

[@stanbrackhage]

Robert you monster! I cant believe you offer a ton of great content for free on youtube all the while trying to support it by offering great tools for sale for those that are interested ;) The nerve of some people!

[@JP-kp9bg]

That V looking piece is a center finder

[@darrylbrook5968]

is this a re issued video?? old shop!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Never was posted but yes it was the old shop

[@darrylbrook5968]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking All good, thought I had missed one.. take care.

[@murphymmc]

Funny that you would show some PEC tools. just purchased a 6" sliding t-square with imperial and metric markings (TaylorToolWorks). It's as close to perfect as I've had. I also acquired a combination square base from them (12") , also dead on. Good tools at a reasonable price. Starrett is a bit like Snap On, at whole lot of money for a name. Those guys are good quality, but c'mon, really? PEC does a good job at a much more reasonable price. You did not mention that the combo square frames are significantly more substantial than the Starrett. PEC, a great choice for your tool sales.

[@scottmartin7717]

Love those blem seconds! Can't beat it for amazingly accurate American made tools

[@jimfromri]

I’ve owned the little sliding PEC t-bevel for years. Use it all the time. It’s awesome.

[@raffuy9745]

sure the protractor is easier to read it's brand new lol

[@justinsane332]

Center finder my good man. That piece is a center finder.

[@jasimalhosani8980]

700$ ?

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

Cool tools advice. thanks.

[@mrhignettshorses]

Centre finder

[@chuckturner6984]

Great looking tools Rob. Thanks for the review.

[@rogersepulveda9871]

The third piece of the combination square is a center finder.

[@arthurdreiling4656]

H

[@larrychristensen5917]

Rob it would have been good to put a disclaimer that these are not current prices. Before starting the video. If you did and I missed it sorry.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Hi Larry, Frick has issues with yesterday’s video so rather than miss, I dug one up from the past that we hadn’t published. PEC raised prices about 6 months ago. I can’t manipulate the raw video especially at 1:30 in the morning when I’m scrambling to post “something “. Today’s drawer making will post soon.

[@larrychristensen5917]

RobCosman.com no problem. I understand you and your people are working nearly round the clock to continue posting videos. I/we do appreciate the time and effort. Take care.

[@kevinrmcnally2223]

saw snow flakes this morning and Rob is wearing shorts ?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Rob always wears shorts-shortens our winter! :)

[@michaelparr4329]

Are the increments etched in or are they printed? On all? PS thanks guys!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Etched

[@scottmartin7717]

Does anyone know if the dividers in particular are made in the states or elsewhere?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

India

[@scottmartin7717]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking thanks Rob. The current $25 for the six inch is steep for an Indian tool, but I do love my Groz squares and have found India makes far better stuff than China whilst being a democracy and not an authoritarian nightmare. I appreciate the videos!

[@raider6511]

You changed your names on the top of you apron.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Aprons represent two classes of our Purple Heart Project. Each combat wounded Vet we sponsor donates his patch to my apron. Before the next two classes starts the old apron goes up on the wall with the class pictures.

[@enricotornotti2883]

But, in metric?

[@onlywood1483]

Was this filmed in your old shop??

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yep, several years ago but never got posted.

[@louisshambarger2230]

Are the graduations on the scales engraved or etched?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Etched

[@davegoldy1025]

Everyone get the blem cosmetic versions of pec tools!!

[@scottmartin7717]

Shhhh keep it on the DL ;D

[@aussiefreediver]

You mentioned the 6” being $20 but it’s listed at $30 on your website. Which is correct? They look awesome Btw. I have the 6” Combo and love it.

[@dougprentice1363]

He's probably making $10. Nothing wrong with that. Markup. Need to make a profit if you're going to be a district.

[@brianmiller6304]

Older vid from when they first started carrying PEC products. Prices have changed since then. Tech problems so drawer series was interrupted. Says archive video in the description above.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

If memory serves, PEC has had two price increases since this was filmed 4 or 5 years ago. No comment about how well I’ve aged? :)

[@aussiefreediver]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking Hahaha. You look better with age! Thanks for the heads up. Stay safe.

[@vetgarry2004]

Pity they're not metric, so of no use to the rest of the world.

[@jimweisgram9185]

PEC makes metric combination squares.

[@rastausen]

Jim Weisgram would you happen to have a link to those, please?

[@Roct3874]

@@rastausen Check out Taylor Toolworks they carry new and blemished PEC squares and rules

[@turningpoint6643]

Metric squares are something other than 90 degrees and dividers come in metric versions as well? Wow who knew.

[@scottmartin7717]

@@turningpoint6643 it wouldn't surprise me... Europeans are so extra

[@danielgeng2306]

Love PEC, didn’t know you’re a distributor... good to know !

[@logans212]

Pleased don’t say knurled nut

[@Robbievigil]

When a carpenter plays with machinist tools.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Finish it...........He gets better!