It was my birthday yesterday, 52 years old. Or as my wife quipped only 8 more years and you'll be 60!
I don't feel 52, I still have the same energy and drive as when I was 30.
Anyway it gave me an excuse to invest (that's a good word) in some new hand tools. I've had a 7" Incra square for a year or so and it's an excellent tool, better balanced than an engineers square and just as accurate. It's also guaranteed to stay square if it's dropped, but I haven't put that to the test yet. I bought (sorry invested in) the 5" version which doesn't sound much different, but it's about half the weight and much more handy for smaller work.
One very useful feature is a lip on the main stock which helps to support the square against an edge. I don't use my engineers squares any more.
It comes in a very nicely fitted box, although this has already been added to my box pile on a top shelf.
I also ordered a Gremercy holdfast which is about as simple a tool as you can get. It fits a 3/4" hole and is secured with a firm rap, it works very well.
It is shown here with a Veritas hold down and you can see it has a much better reach as well as depth. It also doesn't have the annoying habit of throwing off the nut when you want a nice firm hold. I think the Veritas will be on E Bay shortly.
I love nicely made tools and Starrett do just that. These didn't cost that much and my cheap Chinese ones have been binned, I'm learning!
The 3/4" augur bit is for holes in a work bench I'm just about to build, which this space.
Never pays to buy cheap David! Keep up the "investing". I think one of the Incra squares is in my near future as well.
ReplyDeleteIf you actually purchased a Gramercy holdfast, you got ripped off, that's a Jorgensen hold fast. That's also not a Veritas hold down that you've pictured it with.
ReplyDeleteIt said Gramercy on the invoice. Yes you are right the holdfast is made by Leigh Industries, my apologies to Veritas.
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday!
ReplyDelete