Cylinder square

[olderdan]

I have never owned a cylinder square and at the price of commercial ones I decided to have a go at making one, at work we used to make our own for the shop table although they were case hardened and ground and strangely rarely used, when the factory closed I could have had one for the asking.
I have a number of old squares which I have been having doubts with and so need need checking apart from its use for machined items.
It is not that difficult to make your own cylinder square for home use say 2" x 5", accurate turning and facing between dead centres with a lapped & polished finish would suffice. With careful use and a descent steel (mine is some pre hardened mystery steel) this is not a high wear item, just a reference point. The only wear would be on the faces which could be refaced if need be.
I had to step back from the chrome like finish I had produced as the reflective effect made it difficult to use. With a 2-3 mike it is within 2 tenths on dia end for end, good enough for me.
Well after checking all my squares they are NBG so they will go to my carpentry box and I will buy a couple of good quality ones, at least I now know for sure.