Square Ruler - Inches or Metric - Pencil Sharpener and Holder

I could never find a square that I really liked and was always losing track of the ones that I had.  Most of them were 1/8 inch graduations that weren't precise enough, or they had a lip on the edge like a speed square which I didn't always want, or they were limited to having only one side with measurements.  When I finally did find the square that I needed I'd be missing my pencil!  So I decided to make my own solution and scatter them around the shop.

This square has angled sides and measurements on inside and outside edges.  The angled edges bring the graduation marks closer to your workpiece.  Different size graduation marks for 1 inch, ½ inch, ¼ inch, 1/8 inch, 1/16 inch, and 1/32 inch for easy reference as well as a metric version. Graduation marks and numbers are recessed to allow color to be added.

There are two versions.  One is the plain square, and the other has storage for a standard pencil and a built-in sharpener.  You will need a standard pencil sharpener blade, which can be purchased on Amazon (or stolen from another sharpener).  

I print in PLA with 0.4mm nozzle and 0.1mm layers, though 0.2mm is probably ok. No supports. I do not have a 0.2mm nozzle, but it would be even better since the 1/32 graduation marks get squished shut slightly with 0.4mm.  

The models are at 100% scale, but for the best accuracy you will need to account for material shrinkage.  I have measured with a micrometer and found that my PLA prints need scaled up about 0.25%.

To add color to the graduation marks I used lightweight drywall patch, which has sort of a soapy texture.  Smear it into the graduations then wait for it to dry.  Use a lightly dampened cloth to remove excess after it has dried. I then sealed it with a spray acrylic, though polyurethane or something similar would likely work as well.

These are great for drafting and woodworking.