Woodworker and inventor Izzy Swan takes layout to a whole new level with his new Straddle Square. The idea of a straddle square isn’t new – Woodpecker.com had something similar, but on a much smaller scale within its OneTIME tool program. Swan’s square, though, has much more versatility thanks to its size and 90° and 45° angles. I first got a chance to see the square in use at this year’s JLC Live show in Providence.
What is a Straddle Square?
It’s a layout tool comprising two jaws that are perfectly aligned and connected by a spring-loaded screw. Straddling the shoulders over stock allows you to perfectly mark all three sides of the board without having to move your square (which can introduce inaccuracies). Swan’s square works on stock 1/8″ to 1-3/4″ thick and 2-1/2″ in height. Its usefulness is probably best-suited for the shop – though it would come in handy on a jobsite – during cabinet assembly, for example, and in some layout scenarios. The square is made of polished T6 aluminum; the shoulder screw is stainless steel.
Check out his video below to see how the square works.
Cost: $90
COO: USA
www.izzytools.com
