How to trim the lip off a fiberglass speed square

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randyrls

randyrls

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Harrisburg, PA 17112
Hello; I have a 7" fiberglass speed square. I need to trim the "lip(s)" (both sides) used to align the square to an edge. I need it to lay flat on a 3/16" thick material. I have a table saw and zero clearance throat, but concerned on how to make the cut. I'm looking for a smaller speed square too.

So suggestions are appreciated....
 
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Get yourself some draftsman squares. They are flat and come in all sizes as well as all angles. You can buy in plastic or metal I prefer the metal ones. You can get at Amazon. Staples, or woodworking stores such as Peachtree. Woodcraft has them too.
 
I would probably try an oscillating saw.
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Would a small plastic drafting square do the job? Then you would still have the speed square as well as a nice drafting square that is likely more accurate than the speed square.
 
randyrls said:
Hello; I have a 7" fiberglass speed square. I need to trim the "lip(s)" (both sides) used to align the square to an edge. I need it to lay flat on a 3/16" thick material. I have a table saw and zero clearance throat, but concerned on how to make the cut. I'm looking for a smaller speed square too.

So suggestions are appreciated....
Click to expand...
I have no suggestions on trimming one off but in regard to getting a small speed square I recommend one from DFM tools. I love mine.
 
I'm in the "purchase one appropriate for your needs" camp.

Fiberglass is nasty stuff, splinters are wicked and it is bad to breathe in. If you do decide to cut it, please wear proper protection.
 
Is it absolutely necessary to have the "lip(s)" exactly 3/16"?
Could you double stick it to a 3/16" panel or board and the use a sander or grinder to remove the excess down to the panel or board?
 
Thanks Everybody! Those are ALL great ideas! One of my other hobbies is flying R/C model airplanes. I sometimes make these out of "foam-board" (the stuff science fair backgrounds are made of). It is sturdy, easy to glue with hot glue and lightweight. AND it is 3/16" (5mm) thick. I need to be able to cut the FB at accurate right angles. but the lips on speed squares doesn't allow the square to lay flat against the FB that prompted my question.

I think I will convert a drafting square with lips that are 3/16"minus on each side.

PS. This is a twin motor A-Tail (Inverted V-tail). It is a beast and will climb straight up with anything over half power.
Twin A-tail_sm.jpg
 
Instead of cutting the lip off the square, how about routing a groove in your work bench/table that the lip could fit into, and use it like a stop. Alternative might be a machinist square or a double square if all you are looking for is the 90 deg angle. Just thinking out loud.
earl
 
You should be able to plane the fiberglass edges off using a hand plane.
Wear a mask, take most of it off with an oscillating tool, then plane flush with a sharp block plane.
Another option is to hot glue a strip of wood to one side so it'll sit straight, rip the other edge off on the table saw using push sticks.
This gives you a flat face to rotate and rip the other side.
 
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