This summer we decided to redesign our bench square to make it more useful, and this is the result. The original was modeled after the square shown in “l’Art du menuisier” by A.J. Roubo. This new one is modeled on an even older European tool that marks and measures 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°.
Unlike originals, which were typically made of walnut, our version has Baltic birch blades and a maple stock. This makes the tool almost immune to seasonal humidity changes so it will stay accurate for years to come. Because of the laminated construction of the blade, the pointy tips are quite strong (we threw one to the concrete several times to prove this).
The angles on the tool are perfect, thanks to the fact that we laser-cut the blades. Then the squares are further trued when the maple stock is trimmed on a dedicated fixture.
The Crucible Bench Square Mark II is $34 and is available now in our store.
We keep one of these hanging under the bench (or on the tool wall behind the bench) because it’s super handy for simple things like marking lines for crosscutting stock. The tool is lightweight at only 2.4 ounces so it’s a pleasure to handle.
We ship it unfinished, which is how we leave ours. A bit of wax will fancy it up if you like.
Like all our tools, this square is made in the U.S.A. The parts are laser-cut in Ohio and assembled in Kentucky.
— Christopher Schwarz
P.S. If you don’t want to buy one, the book “Euclid’s Door” has complete instructions on how to make one (and learn some cool geometry in the process).
I have the previous version of this and love it. I use it most for squaring my jointer fence to the table after I have done some angled passes. I have also found it very useful for setting a consistent 45 angle on my bevel gauge when needed. I may have to spring for this newer version for the 30/60 degree settings. Thanks as always for a quality product.
Is LAP planning to host a TP juggling contest? Sign me up
I started reading Eucid’s door. It’s an awesome book. Not really surprise by that given the authors and publisher. Have you considered making merit badges/stickers for those who make the various projects from it? Might be kind of cool like you did for the chairs.
Well, might be another poster moment though.
I really appreciate the badge incentive, really do, but it is only a gimmick, and one that burns quite some money (anyone has a global forever stamp for me? Amazon has extortionate prices, especially considering I only need one…).
I might get the book, it sounds intriguing, maybe to teach the kids some jommetry.
If it’s a gimmick that gets people to build a chair, then it’s a good one.
Yes, totally agree, I meant that more for the euclid’s door badges.
And yes, the stick chair is quite high on my list, also because of the badge! So yes, it is an incentive, a good one. I’ll figure something out regarding the postage stamps, over here they ask about 30 quid for 10 stamps – which is not that great. (that was the source for my moaning). Really sorry for making a confusing mess…
Sorry I misunderstood!
Cool. It kinda looks like an origami crane.
the new design looks much nicer than the old one.
nice too that you are using great ethical bog paper 🙂
Not that you’re looking for market intel here, but I would love to see a Crucible “Melencolia” bat-wing square for long crosscut marking.
I have one of these in the works. The problem is the handle….