Tips To Assure A 90-Degree Angle

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have to glue a series of spacers between the two halves of my turntable bridge, each at 90 degrees to assure the bridge is square.

I’m thinking of using a block of wood to assure the angle after first confirming with a triangle that the bottom edge is truly cut to 90 degrees.

Does that make sense to you? Any better suggestions? I’m trying not to buy $40 machinist’s squares.

Thanks.

Rick Krall

2

I believe Lowe’s or Home Depot have small angle iron in both aluminum and steal that is in all different sizes IE: .75 X .75 flange up to 2 inch flanges. they might have 90 degree clamps

hope this helps

mike

3

Perhaps a drafting triangle. I have had mine since highschool, but they may be available at a school store or an office supply store.

Perhaps a low priced square from Sears, Home Depot or the like. Probably 10 bucks. (total guess)

Or make your own using classic dimensions of a right triangle: 3,4 and 5 inch sides (or any dimension in that ratio. (3 squared + 4 squared = 5 squared)

Anything laying around the house that is square? Put it on a straight edge and strike a vertical. Then flip it, like turning the page of a book and see if a new vertical is parallel to the first line. (Test anything you purchase this way also.)

4

WEll, a block of wood that is sqare cut with a 90* edge could work.

But you can find 90* angle angle irons or t-squares in smaller sizes for cheap money.

You might even strike one at a dollar store in the tool section.

GO get yourself a “speed square” triangle which costs only a few dollars, is about 8" along a side and is desinged for speed in marking and cuting 45* angles of wood.

5

I bought my machinist square at a flea market for 5 bucks.Might be a starting place to look.Jim.

6

Exactly what I needed, guys; thanks. Based on my trials, all will work beautifully. The speed square (which I have but overlooked) is heavy and long enough to support the spacer and assure it’s square. Putting a block of wood or the drafting triangle next to it will assure the edges align, too. Sweet!

Rick Krall

7

Pleased to be of help.

8

Hi,

An inexpensive drafting triangle (Michaels or Hobby Lobby) or a square (Lowes or Home Depot) will work just fine. The problem with cutting something out at a 90 degree angle is that if you are off a degree or two - very, very easy to accomplish - those will multiply the error as you go around the turntable.