While I love my 12” Starret, I can certainly appreciate one’s interest in the “budget”. That being said, I have discarded most of my cheaper combination squares as none of them were square. This past summer I discovered that the “Pro” model combination squares made by Empire are exceedingly accurate and with modest cost. Their 6” combination square only cost $7.78 at Menards. (a Northern “big box”) This square has a permanent place in my shop apron. Empire also has a 16” Pro model combination square that costs around $12. These squares are accurate enough for general woodworking and even for machine set-ups. They are made in Milwaukee USA which ain’t too bad either.
Check out their web site; www.empirelevel.com
-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"
