Swanson SW1201K 7″ & Big 12″ Speed Square Layout Tool Kit
Swanson SW1201K 7″ & Big 12″ Speed Square Layout Tool Kit Without Layout Bar,Blue
| Weight: | 830 g |
| Size: | 7" & 12" (inches) Combo |
| Dimensions: | 44.12 x 4.11 x 22.23 cm; 830 Grams |
| Model: | SW1201K |
| Part: | SW1201K |
| Colour: | Blue |
| Pack Quantity: | 1 |
| Batteries Required: | No |
| Batteries Included: | No |
| Manufacture: | Swanson |
| Dimensions: | 44.12 x 4.11 x 22.23 cm; 830 Grams |
| Quantity: | 1 |
| Size: | 7" & 12" (inches) Combo |
Im new to woodworking and who knew how hard it would be to get a square that is actually square at a reasonable price point. After getting other cheaper squares that were anything but square i ordered this and im pleased to say it does what it says and is truely square. Its a pity its only in inches but thats not a deal breaker.
I ordered this for my husband and he’s DELIGHTED with it. It’s very well made, very sturdy, easy to read and a great price.
It was delivered within just a few days of ordering so I have a very happy hubby!! 10/10 AND 5 Stars!! Many thanks!!
Looks like they’ve tried to do some kind of stylised print which has seriously affected the accuracy of the speed square.
Lightweight and sturdy, great for getting “close” to the mark.
Firstly, I want to point out that these things are designed for speed and the markings are big to be visible with ease, which I suppose could render them ‘good enough’ rather than pinpoint accurate (though they are accurate).
If anything, I would describe them as being the Swiss Army Knife of carpentry – especially when you get the 7″ and 12″ twin set, which even comes with a little book of tables for calculating roof and stair angles.
The metal is thick and solid. There are loads of markings and scales for measuring lengths and angles. They can be used as horizontal and vertical levels. You can use them as guides for a circular saw. There are pencil notches to drag out parallel lines. I mean, they do it all, apart from cut the wood for you.
As you may have guessed, they have become integral – indispensable – tools in my kit. They save so much time that it would be inefficient not to use them.
I still use a combi square for the occasional instances that they are required (measuring and marking accurate depths and so on) but it is no longer my primary ‘go to’ square.
All in all, an excellent product at a great price.
I’ve seen these tools for years (mainly on DIY shows) but never used one, and finally decided to give it a go. I’m so sorry I’ve waited this long it’s so good and easy to use.
I recommend watching some YouTube videos to get the most out of it as the list seems to go on and on for what carpenter’s/roofer’s use it for.
The speed square is well made if a little rough in places but it will certainly last a lifetime, however the combination square is on the small side but a nice addition to the toolbox.
I purchased these items as i needed a small combo square , Speed squares are very useful I use two low cost speed squares one of which has been modified to use on Angle Iron. The quality of these Squares is very good much better than my other speed squares, The extra cost plus could only find these items in the U S ment that I had to wait for delivery which in all fairness was not long, The instruction book is a bonus.
Very pleased with my purchase, may buy another set? So that I have a set in each area of my Workshop.
Rob UK
Combi Square – Build quality at this this price is first class (the scriber is even a screw in)
Speed Square – I’d promised myself one of these when I started to use ones that are “like” Swanson or “based” on Swanson. The real thing is easy to use, it’s clearly marked and built to survive on site.
Were there machine marks – Yes (on both units)
Did I expect machine marks – Yes (I’ve paid less than 15 for the set)
How long did it take me to true up all edges using 1200 grit, a 12″ sq pane of glass, and moderate care? – Less than 5mins.
Am I a master craftsman – No
Have I put an edge on a chisel – Yes
Have I tuned a bench plane – Yes
Will I be working with timber – Yes
Do I know the Pythagoras Theorem – Yes
Will my work be used in the Medical or Aeronautical industries – No
Why all these extra words – Some of the negative comments regarding quality.
Stopping now.
I have used the 7″ speed square for about 10 years now but it is always on my van, brought the 12″ version for my workshop so got another 7″ one to go into the workshop also. Quick and easy 90 or 45 degree marking and used often as a guide for my circular saw. This tool does far more than I need it to but I am glad I have 3 of them.
Worth the purchase for professionals as well as DIY’ers.
Ended up not using this tool as I found an easy way to set up bird’s mouth joints on Youtube. The Swanson Speed Square seems sturdy and is well priced but I am not convinced that it would be 100% accurate and also wondered if the markings might wear off through time. Even when new the markings don’t look particularly ‘crisp’.
Excellent bit of kit. It feels like it will last for years. The moment you pick it up it, it feels a quality item that’s built to last. I built my log store using the Swanson speed square, helping to mark out the straight cuts and the angle for the roof pitch. This tool is also great to use as a straight line guide for a circular saw when cutting the wood. I’ve tried a cheaper version but once you use a Swanson you won’t want to go back.
Slightly disappointed to find there’s something missing compared to the original… they’ve not bothered to infill the markings with black paint on these ones.
Arguably not the end of the world but a shortcoming for sure. Especially at this pricepoint!
I don’t build roofs but I can really find lots of thins to use this tool. I am taking off a star only because the manufacturer got lazy and didn’t painted the numbers on the tool, as with the US version and it is really hard to see them. I used a marker with a thin point and practically ruined it while going over the numbers, but it came out real good. You can find other methods online to permanently paint those numbers but it’s really up to you.
The wide base makes this convenient for checking joints for plumb as it will stand on its own quite securely; this base also makes a really solid rest for when you want to mark a cutting line at 90 degrees – it hooks over the edge of a standard CLS 2x X timber perfectly and gives a far more positive result than a standard combination square (the full length of the side of the square being in contact with the timber really helps here too.)
I have not yet used the square for the purpose for which I bought it (laying out rafters for my current project) but hope to do so soon – the accompanying “blue book” seems fairly comprehensive and I’m confident this square will make my life a lot easier when the time comes.
Overall the square is well made from nice thick metal and very nicely finished. My only criticism would be that the black paint applied to the markings wasn’t particularly thorough; as the markings themselves are deeply recessed into the metal there is no issue in practice.
Edit: I have since used it to make rafters and very much more and it was excellent. Once you’ve figured out the desired roof pitch it’s so simple to get every cut at the right angle – not just for rafters but things like barge boards, sheathing, lining, interior trim etc. Worth every penny.
But this thing is amazing. A beautifully engineered and well thought out tool, it is never off my bench. For marking parallel lines, marking angles, acting as a guide for my circular saw, and accurately measuring short distances. It also comes with a little book demonstrating how you can use its various clever measurements, referring to the construction of roof trusses (which I don’t do, but the examples make sense).
It’s superb. I appreciate that it’s ridiculously expensive for a triangle of aluminium, but I don’t regret it buying it at all – every penny was money well spent for those of us who are feet-and-inches challenged!