A T-square is a technical

drawing Drawing is a visual art that uses an instrument to mark paper or another two-dimensional surface. The instruments used to make a drawing are pencils, crayons, pens with inks, brushes with paints, or combinations of these, and in more mod ...

instrument used by

draftsmen A drafter (also draughtsman / draughtswoman in British and Commonwealth English, draftsman / draftswoman or drafting technician in American and Canadian English) is an engineering technician who makes detailed technical drawings or plans ...

primarily as a guide for drawing horizontal lines on a drafting table. The instrument is named after its resemblance to the letter T, with a long shaft called the "blade" and a short shaft called the "stock" or "head". T-squares are available in a range of sizes, with common lengths being , , , and . In addition to drawing horizontal lines, a T-square can also be used with a set square to draw vertical or diagonal lines. The T-square usually has a transparent edge made of

plastic Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptab ...

which should be free of nicks and cracks in order to provide smooth, straight lines. T-squares are also used in other industries, such as construction. For example, drywall T-squares are typically made of aluminum and have a long tongue, allowing them to be used for measuring and cutting drywall. In woodworking, higher-end

table saw A table saw (also known as a sawbench or bench saw in England) is a woodworking tool, consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor, that is driven by an electric motor (either directly, by belt, or by gears). The blade protrudes thr ...

s often have T-square

fence A fence is a structure that encloses an area, typically outdoors, and is usually constructed from posts that are connected by boards, wire, rails or netting. A fence differs from a wall in not having a solid foundation along its whole length. ...

s attached to a rail on the front side of the table, providing improved accuracy and precision when cutting wood.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:T-Square Technical drawing tools Squares (tool)

See also

References