These 2 things can really speed up the learning curve

There are lots of good videos on how to plot angles with a speed square and framing square . My father in law was a master with one .

Well I'd like to be able to try and plot everything on paper make my cuts and just have it all fit together,that's my ultimate goal. Always astounded me watching carpenter and fabricators do that.

Yeah I've yet to own my own blue book ,really need to pick one up. Love my speed square though !

Swanson speed square comes with the book.Or at least they used to.

O so found a protractor, this the kind y'all talking about or y'all referring to more of the kind we'd use in math class ?


Also on framing squares , bigger is better orrrr ???

Ok one more question ,iv been using a combo square for the longest,is it really a good tool for waht I'm taking about or ?

Algebra solves a lot of problems.

Excellent tool for a machinist / tool maker. Would work fine for carpentry.



Charlie

Geometry even more.

You dont need a big framing square. Its not used to square stuff up. You use a tape measure for that. A framing square is for laying stuff out. Rafters, joists, stairs and stuff with angles. Once you get the angle you can use one of those t bevels for the rest of them instead of lining up the framing square every time. Or cut a pattern board and write a P on it. You need to use the same pattern board every time or your cuts will start getting off more and more with each successive cut..

Geometry.

Algebra sucks.



Charlie

Theoretically, given a square plumb and level foundation (and I've yet to meet the concrete guy that understands those terms) that exactly matches a given set of correct prints I (or any other carpenter that knows how to use them) can stand in the yard and cut every stick of lumber in the house from sill to ridge and number them like a big paint by numbers kit with nothing more than a tape measure and framing square and it'll all fit.

Back in my framing days it used to amaze me the kids asking where my calculator was. It's between my ears.

My favorite thing to cut was stairs. Two rises plus one run between 24 and 25 with 10" minimum including bullnose to put your foot on no more than an inch of bullnose no variance more than an 1/8 between adjacent or 3/8 for the whole run was code then.

Don't forget to account for finished flooring on upper and lower levels.

Frameing squares make large circles also
.

This is my kind of math.

BTW, a level can't tell you if a wall is truly planing level or plumb. Only the two highest points the level contacts can be trued up as plumb or level.

I dare anyone to find me a four side surfaced and planed stud.

Speed square! Dont forget the carpenters motto. Cut it like scat, beat it to fit, paint it to match.

That’s a good company most of their stuff is made here and they tell you what is and isn’t on their website, also they say those will run out to .001 I believe, but be careful with some sliding squares they’re not ground right and won’t be true, Incra out of Texas has really good stuff as well, as far as triangles remember a triangle will always equal 180 degrees.

I think you need multiple tools. Get the milwaukee rafter square. The increments are way finer than the swanson and it has more features. Get a bevel gauge. They are cheap. Get a framing square. They are useful for lots. Get a protractor. It will tell you the angle and you can replicate it in a miter saw or something similar. Levels are great but i prefer lasers though youll get a little sticker shock. I have both. I can level a 12” shelf or a 40’ subfloor within very good tolerance. Then use them all. None of these tools will do you any good unless you learn them and gain experience

Wolfie, You need a job on a construction crew or at a custom metal fab shop. You would learn a lot of things and get paid for it. Skills and a trade that you would be able to take with you.