How to Use a T Square

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T squares are used in technical drawing which is also known as drafting. Technical drawing requires precise drawings and T squares are an essential drafting instrument. T squares provide the foundation from which good renderings are created. T Squares are also used in the construction trades.

Instructions

1. Make the distinction between the T square used for technical drawing, such as architectural plans, and the T square used for construction. The technical drawing T square used by professionals like engineers, draftsmen and architects is used along with a drawing board. The construction T square is used by bricklayers, carpenters and home builders.
   
2. Place the T square at right angles to the edges of the drawing board. T squares are movable straightedges. T squares are used to hold other tools such as squares and triangles. Slide the T square up the surface of the table to the desired location on the paper.
   
3. Secure the T square in place. T squares should not slide around across the surface of the paper. On a slanted drafting table, T squares are often mounted with a type of pulley system or that is mounted on both sides of the drafting table.
   
4. Use the T square to draw parallel lines by simply tracing along its edge. Place squares and triangles on the T square to precisely draw angles. "French curves" are used to draw curved shapes and templates are used to draw reoccurring shapes.
   
5. Place a T square at the edge of a wall or cabinet to determine the angle. Lay a T square in a corner to establish if it the edges form a right angle. T squares, along with a level, are used in bricklaying to keep the line true vertically.
   

kinds of T square

Alumicolor Standard Architect's Drafting Set

     This three-piece set includes: a 24" standard t-square,12"architect scale,6" pocket scale.
All three pieces are made of solid aluminum with a bright blue anodized finish.

Utrecht Standard T-Square, Aluminum, 12 in

Utrecht's T-Squares have a 1½" tempered aluminum blade.

     It is calibrated in inches and centimeters. The 9" black ABS plastic heads are lightweight and nearly unbreakable. The heads are secured with 5 screws instead of rivets. 

T-square 36 In Wood

     Choice wood blades are permanently anchored in acrylic that will not yellow with age. Edges are undercut for professional results using either pen or pencil. Ebony-finish hardwood head is positioned to micro-accuracy and held true with flush-head screws. Clear acrylic edges.

 A Fixed-Adjustable-Angle T- Square

     Adjustable and accurate don’t have to be mutually exclusive when you talk about squares.  This adjustable-angle T-square from Bridge City Tool Works gives you both an accurate 90° angle and an adjustable angle in one beautiful and expensive package.

C-Thru Junior T-Square, Plastic, 12 in

The C-thru 12 inch plastic T or keeping in a sketchbook.

Alumicolor Standard Engineer Set

New from Alumicolor!! Kit contains a 24" Standard T-Square, 12" Engineers Scale, 6" Engineer Pocket Scale.All products are made from solid aluminum and calibrations are photo anodized. The anodizing process makes all markings a permanent part of the aluminum giving each product a smooth, tick-free finish that resists wear.

Precision Aluminum T-Square 

By Benjamen Johnson

How to make Precision T-square

     To make their precision T-squares, Woodpeckers precisely machines an aluminum blade and secures it to a solid billet handle with six precision socket screws.  They drill 1mm holes every 1/16″ on the blade plus extra holes every 1″ for marking shelf pins.  They laser-engrave markings spaced every 1/32″ that are accurate to .001″, and they angle the outer edges of the blade 30 degrees to make the markings easier to read.  They do all this in their US shop.
Woodpeckers’ 12″ T-square will run you $80, the 24″ T-square will run you $110, and the new 32″ T-square will run you $140.  At least they throw in a fitted wooden storage case for the price.
12″ T-Square [Woodpeckers]
24″ T-Square [Woodpeckers]
32″ T-Square [Woodpeckers]