Restoration
Another Inherited Tool
One inherited attachment finally completed a tool that's been in my workshop for more than twenty-five years.
Letting you know from the start, this should be a pretty short post. As the title suggests, it's about the restoration (really just a cleanup) of what amounts to just a part of a tool - the center-finding/45 degree head for my combination square. This won't take long - let's get into it!
Inherited: A Toolbox Full of History
Much like a number of other tools I've restored, this one was from my former boss's grandfather, and come in one of these two toolboxes that were chock full of tools!
Though some earlier 19th century tools were called combination squares, the modern combination square was invented in the late 1870s by American inventor Laroy S. Starrett, and patented in 1879. In 1880 he founded the L. S. Starrett Company in Athol, Massachusetts, United States. The tool was originally designed for machinists, but over time became commonly used in other trades, such as woodworking. - Robert W. Lang in Popular Woodworking
My Combination Square
I have no idea when I bought my combo square. If I had to estimate, I'd guess it was about '98 or '99, and I have absolutely no idea where I got it. But I've had it all these years and taken good care of it. It was made by Empire Level Co., which I never really heard of before. Nonetheless...
- Square, for marking and referencing 90° angles and checking if surfaces are flat and square to one another.
- Miter square, for marking and referencing 45° angles, such as in woodworking for miter joints.
- Spirit level, to check if a surface is level or similarly if a surface or edge is plumb (vertical).
- Depth gauge or height gauge.
- Form of marking gauge for marking lines parallel to an edge, by setting the head to a certain distance from the end of the rule.
- Reference for directly transferring dimensions without needing to take a measurement, minimizing measurement errors and inaccuracies.
Although I always wanted some of the other heads (mostly because they looked cool), I never really needed any of them, so I was never willing to part with the cash. But if one were given to me!
There's something oddly satisfying about finally completing a tool you've been using for years. My combination square has never let me down with just the standard head, but adding another attachment feels a bit like finding the missing chapter of a favorite book. I may not use the center finder every week, but knowing it's there, and knowing it came from another craftsman's toolbox, makes the whole set feel just a little more complete.
The Missing Piece
Like I said, I inherited this attachment, and was quite excited when I found it in one of the tool boxes. The center-finder head can be used for:
- Marking lines through the center of circular or square objects, such as dowels. Making multiple marks at different angles can be used to identify the point at the center of the circle.
- Marking lines perpendicular to a curved edge (normal lines).
- Bisecting square corners to mark a 45° angle.
A Quick Cleanup
When I got it, the head was in pretty decent shape with just a bit of surface rust, and some minor pitting in a non-essential area. SO I soaked it in some rust remover, then sanded the appropriate surfaces to a nice shine.
And et voilà - Done!
Like I said - this was going to be a short post! This little project didn't take much, but it was fun. On top of that - I now have another attachment for my square and - how cool is that?
And here's just a slightly closer look at the attachment!
And finally, here it is all together. In actuality, you probably wouldn't use both heads on the ruler at the same time, but it looks cool like this!
Its Natural Habitat
Now that I have the 45 degree combo square attachment, I needed to find a spot to keep it. I decided its new natural habitat would be in the measuring tool drawer in my restored Gerstner tool chest!
See ya' next time!
You never make it sound like the center-finding head is rare or valuable, and that's exactly why I enjoyed reading about it. Its value comes from usefulness, not scarcity. It spent years in someone else's toolbox, then found its way into yours, where it'll continue doing exactly what it was designed to do.
The final photograph, tucked into the Gerstner chest alongside your other measuring tools, felt like the perfect ending. Every workshop has a few tools that took years to assemble piece by piece. This combination square is one of yours now, and somehow it's more interesting because it wasn't bought all at once. It was finished through time, chance, and a little careful restoration. - A Tool User, Not a Tool Collector
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a combination square used for?
A combination square is one of the most versatile measuring and layout tools in a workshop. It can check 90° and 45° angles, measure depths, transfer measurements, verify squareness, and help lay out accurate cuts in woodworking and metalworking.
What does the center-finding head do?
The center head is designed to locate the center of round stock such as dowels, pipes, and rods. By drawing intersecting lines across the workpiece, the exact center can be identified quickly and accurately.
Can combination square heads be mixed between brands?
Sometimes, but not always. Many combination square heads are manufactured to fit standard blade sizes, yet tolerances differ among manufacturers. It's always worth checking compatibility before purchasing individual heads.
Why repaint old measuring tools?
Repainting the non-machined surfaces helps protect against future rust while restoring the tool's appearance. Care should be taken to avoid painting precision-machined reference surfaces that affect accuracy.
Do hobby woodworkers really need specialty combination square heads?
Not necessarily. Most hobbyists use the standard square head for the majority of their work. Specialty heads, such as center finders and protractors, become useful for specific layouts but aren't essential for everyday woodworking.
Keywords
combination square, center finder, combination square attachment, Empire combination square, tool restoration, inherited tools, woodworking tools, measuring tools, Gerstner tool chest, House