Because I travel a lot with my tools, every ounce and inch (centimeter and kilogram) is critical.
I usually push the weight limit for luggage, so compact tools can mean the difference between bringing my own underwear and having to purchase some foreign undies that might just lift and separate things that should be neither lifted nor separated on a man (see also: my trip to Italy this June).
So I’ve always wanted a take-down framing square – it’s a standard carpentry tool that separates into two pieces for travel. It’s brilliant for travel. But I’d never buy one online – they have a reputation for being abused and out of square.
While I was teaching this weekend at Roy Underhill’s The Woodwright’s School, I sneaked up to Ed Lebetkin’s tool-porn-a-go-go store and examined three of the take-down squares he had for sale. All three were out of whack. But Roy thought he could fix one of them with a little metalwork.
It took a couple hours of filing, cleaning and peening, but he transformed this Pexto SR-100 into a factory-perfect jewel. The parts click when they slide together. And the cam lock snugs up everything tight.
I can now get rid of the old framing square I’ve had since college. Anyone want it? Come and get it. The only catch is you also have to take two pairs of pink and gray Italian undies.
And thanks Roy.
— Christopher Schwarz
Psst. Are the, ah, undies used?
Will you sign the undies?
I could take that square off you hands when I’m down your way for WIA. And the undies are perfect, I only wear one that have been broken in.
Great. Now the price for pink and gray undies just went through the roof.
Carl had a display of these at the last tool meet. Pretty cool tool.
I hope you are talking about the square, not the pink undies; because if it is the latter the implied visuals are cringe-worthy.
I didn’t know such a tool existed; how marvelous. It does look like a little work to adjust.
Being a welder who just plays at woodworking, my framing square has the heel chopped off to clear fillet welds. Because of this, checking its accuracy is a routine activity; there are more than a few punch marks on it.
I’ve never even given these a second look. I figured they were up there with the home center finger friendly chisel rasp.
Guess I missed out. 🙂
Oh, I meant the square, not the Italian undies.
They are great for travel. If you don’t travel with your tools, I couldn’t see owning one because the standard ones are much easier to square up with a nail set or a punch. But because I’m on the road so much and building big stuff, they are a winner.
Surprised Megan hasn’t put the undies on eBay like she did with the woobie.
Good Ol’ Roy…maybe Roy likes Italian undies? I hear ya, Yazoonian about the prices on eBay. I was lucky to snag a Lufkin 138 for $48 bucks!