The quickest and easiest way to mark perfectly aligned lines across adjacent surfaces.
A saddle square is basically an L-shaped tool (like a square), but it wraps around the edge of a piece, allowing you to mark a line across both the face and the edge at a perfect 90° angle. A folding saddle square does the same thing, but it has hinges so it can accommodate angles other than 90°, as well as collapse down for easier storage.
If your projects involve precise joinery, a folding saddle square can be invaluable. It simplifies tasks like marking shoulder and cheek lines accurately across multiple faces, ensuring dowel holes align perfectly, laying out spline locations on hexagonal or octagonal boxes and transferring lines around corners in multi-sided assemblies. By reducing the need for multiple measurements and tool repositioning, it enhances both speed and accuracy in your work.​
There are a variety of different models of saddle squares on the market. This set from Woodpeckers is superbly designed and with proper care will last you a lifetime.
Manufacturer:Â Woodpeckers
Model:Â FSSQ-AL-SET
Price: $119.99 US (full set); $69.99 (large); $59.99 (mini)
Warranty: Limited lifetime; 30-day money back
Made in: USA
Source:Â shopwoodpeckers.ca (may require special order)
Features:
- CNC milled from solid aluminum plate
- Large square: 1/1-2″ x 7-1/2″
- Mini square: 1″ x 5″
What I first noticed when I picked up these squares was that the hinge is tightly tensioned. This completely eliminates lateral play when opening and closing the squares, while still allowing for smooth angle adjustments.
Manufactured from high-quality anodized aluminum, they offer durability without excessive weight. The mini folding square, in particular, is an easy addition to my shop apron.
In use, I’ve found that both squares are dead square, which is crucial — even a tiny error can compound over multiple pieces. The beauty of these squares is that you can mark across both surfaces in one shot, keeping everything perfectly aligned. They also conform to angles other than 90°, a feature I haven’t yet needed but am glad to have available.
I prefer the mini square, as I generally build small-scale furniture. The 5″ length works well for me, and it does a better, quicker job than a try square. If you work with larger timbers, the bigger square, with its 7-1/2″ length, might be a better fit.
A folding saddle square isn’t an essential shop tool, but once you’ve used one, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it. And, these Woodpeckers Folding Saddle Squares are solidly made and consistently reliable.
