Woodpeckers’ new DelVe Square is like a smaller version of a speed square, but also better suited for woodshop, needs in contrast to a general construction setting. It has specially sized dimensions that allows it to serve in place of brass setup bars, at least for the most common sizes, and the special features don’t end there. This patent pending layout tool gets its name from its designer, Tom DelVechio.
Designed for woodworkers, this “not quite 4-inch long” precision tool can be used for measureless setup of mortise and tenons in 3/4″ stock, to set up up your table saw, router, or band saw, to find angles like a protractor, and yes, even for layout and measuring tasks.
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Let’s start with the built-in measurements. The body of the triangle is 1/8″ thick. The base is 1/4″ thick. The base is offset, so that it makes 1/4″ and 3/8″ measurements against the triangle body. Finally, the base is 3/4″ wide. Of course, you can always set the square on its edge, and use the inside scale to make other height measurements.
The 1/16″ scale is perpendicular to the base and has holes every 1/8″ for scribing lines. There is also a “peep” hole in the side of the triangle, which can be used in conjunction with a self-centering bit to drill holes in the exact center of a 3/4″ wide board.
The DelVe Square can still be used like a mini speed square for the shop. You can use it to mark a perfect 45° angle, or pivot the square on the edge of the base and use the angle scale on the hypotenuse to mark your desired angle. And because the base extends wider than the triangle body, you can use it to mark around the edges of the board.
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Woodpeckers CNC-machines the DelVe square from a single piece of high quality tool-plate aluminum, and then of course they protect it with their iconic red anodization.
This minuscule — yet mighty — woodworker’s square will run you $50 through Woodpeckers. Alternatively you can also order it through Highland Woodworking, or several other authorized dealers for the same price. Remember, this is a “OneTime Tool.” Woodpeckers only allows ordering until July 6, 2015, and only after this date will they the schedule actually manufacture the DelVe Square in the pre-ordered numbers. The shipping estimate,which can change, is November 2015.
Order Now (via Woodpeckers)
Order Now (via Highland Woodworking)
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First Thoughts
I’m a sucker for precision tools. You watch people in videos using them so quickly and confidently to layout their projects, and it makes you think that if “I could just have one, my projects would turn out better.” I’ve found that, with practice, that less expensive layout tools can achieve pretty good results. But something in me still wonders if maybe my self esteem would be greater if I owned some of these beautiful precision tools.
Ha! Kidding about marketing aside, this actually looks like a pretty useful tool. I use my speed square to layout projects and my brass setup bars to set up equipment all the time. It’d be nice to have something a little more precise than a speed square on hand, and the DelVe Square looks pretty bulletproof too, not to mention well-featured.
fred
I got several emails about this – not sure what I think about it for $50 – but Carbide Processors will sell it to you for a 5% less with coupon Code “Sale5” – of course you might wish to compare prices with tax and shipping included.
Benjamen
I searched Carbide Processors yesterday and couldn’t find it, so I gave Highland Woodworking as an alternate source. Today I went and looked under the One Time Tools category and there it was. Don’t know if I missed it or they just added it. So here’s the link:
http://www.carbideprocessors.com/woodpecker-tools/woodpeckers-one-time-tools/
I’m not sure what I think about spending $50 for it either fred.
NCD
Only $50 dollars? How many do I need………… must give this some thought. It sure is purdy though and of high quality.
Jimmie
$50 seems a little steep for an under-4″ square. If it were 6-7″ and maybe $25, I’d likely be more tempted.
Kent
It’s made in the US, so it’s just not going to happen at $25.
Stan
This item is made in the United States of America and quality tools such as these aren’t going to be as cheap as Harbor Freight tools. Probably isn’t cheap to make these and likely takes more time than plastic versions as well.
This could have been made cheaper and made overseas, but I give the manufacturer credit for supporting jobs here and creating what looks to be something that really looks quite useful.
Mike B
Case of ‘appearances can be deceiving’ for sure. It’s $50 for all the exact reasons it would make a poor speed square, even for a Gnome building dollhouses. It’s really a sort of ‘custom-shop’ layout-mitre-setup-tri square, meant for high-end type woodshop use. In typical Woodpecker tool style, it’s full of odd little modifications, asymmetrical dimensions and specialized features that are useful to a niche market.
USA-made anodized aluminum speed squares can be found. Empire, Johnson, and Swanson all sell USA-made speed squares. The larger 12″ rafter size can be had for under $20.
As for durability…the Woodpecker tools will last and last…if you coddle them, send them to the spa, wax and buff, and make sure they take their vitamins. One drop on concrete from waist level and tears will appear on your face! But who ever heard of a speed square getting dropped?
That’s why jobsite squares are also available in disgusting looking yet durable high-impact plastic as well as aluminum. For rafter layout and framing, they are precise enough. But if you need more accuracy, Woodpecker is there. $50 for a mini square blends right into the mix of $150 saw blades, $2500 table saws, $100 chisels, $500 planes, and $6000 pieces of furniture. Woodpecker KNOWS their tools are pricey, that’s all part of their business model, one-time limited runs. The price reflects a premium for good design as much as USA labor rates or even quality aluminum prices. They probably couldn’t compete head-to-head with Empire, Johnson, or especially Stanley or Irwin/Rubbermaid even if they wanted to.
Their tools sure do look pretty though. They must be nice if they sometimes come in their own wooden storage case. And the price could be worse still…that $50 Woodpecker tag would probably be more like $150+ if it said ‘Hazet’ or ‘Festool’. Mafell would be decent enough to use titanium or something at least.
CanadianStig (Charles)
It’s tiny! Any word if they make a larger version? The price might be a deterrent putting people off settling for a cheaper product in craftsmanship and price
Chrisk1970
i ordered it Stuart. This is really a great idea for the router set up. Not too crazy about the price but it’s a really nifty looking tool and although I’ve only got four other Woodpecker tools, they are awesome.
Yadda
Cool tool, but the price for me is completely prohibitive.
John
Can someone shed some light on the OneTimeTool concept? Made-to-order? 6 month wait time? Sounds more like a Rolls Royce (which is also out of my price range). I do love the design and features, though, and would get a lot of use from this.
fred
I think the idea is to generate some buzz – lock in the pre-orders – then schedule the production run accordingly – rather than build a whole batch on speculation of sales.
I believe that Woodpeckers also has a place on their web page where you can provide feedback on past on-time tools that you might like to see produced once again.
I also think that Bridge City may do something similar from time to time:
http://www.bridgecitytools.com/
John
I understand the concept of ‘buzz’, but there have to be other ways to create buzz without establishing that you’re going to manufacture this awesome tool and then stop producing it. If it’s such an awesome tool, why would you kill it? They should go some other route — maybe bundle it with something else for early purchasers — anything other than what they’re doing.
Mitchell
Hello folks,
My concern, believe it or not, is that I may “love” these limited run tools. Hence, I have held off pulling the trigger on purchasing any one of these. Within reason, I tend to be extremely brand loyal if the tool line is to my liking. The cost is high and I am at an age where Harbor Freight tools MAY outlast me ( j/k, God)… but there is the heirloom component of my hand tool investments. A few years back I switched to Knipex for all of my electrical hand tools and have been happy with that decision. A huge part of doing so was I got to buy one tool (linesman pliers) to demo then add as desired. These tools, not being open-stock items, don’t allow me to try them, then at my discretion, go out and purchase the whole line up if so inclined. I don’t like the idea of being at their whimsy as to what THEY think I may need or want next. Just my opinion, but it was made in America and, at two cents, not overpriced! Sorry, to prattle on boys and be well.
Mike B
just curious, you talking bout the insulated handle line of Knipex tools? Cuz same thing happened to me. I saw a tool rep demo the Cobra pliers by standing on the top handle, so I bought a pair of needle-nose pliers. Next thing I know, I’ve got like 15 different pairs of Knipex pliers. How I could afford them is still a mystery, but no regrets. The pump pliers are nice, but the Pliers Wrench and Cobalt cutters are so awesome, I have no idea why there is virtually no competitor version or even cheap imitations, in the US at least. I’m convinced that their insulated electrical pliers are the best around too, a hair better than NWS insulated line in hard use long term situations. And the Witte brand insulated screwdrivers Knipex bundles in kits are very durable, precise, and a great value, compared with $20 a piece Klein or Milwaukee. More durable than Wiha(insulated line) as well. Wera and Felo also offer some good drivers for the sparky types, though it seems Witte PH#2 tips last the longest. Just my 3.5 cents.
Mitchell
Hi Mike,
Yes, mostly, the insulated. I like the quality of their gp tools, also. I bought through my usual supply house (my account dates back, through my Dad, to 1948). One day I was in (B)Lowe’s, as they had an amazing deal on 12/3 nmb… much to my surprise I noticed they were selling Knipex! In addition to my business I was teaching Boat building & carpentry and a student had given me a Lowe’s gift card, which I, promptly, used TOWARD (25$ card.. lol) another addition to my Knipex tool collection. Straying a little off the Woodpecker topic…. seeing as an apparent “opinion price war” has commenced… LOL. Take care, Sir
Mike B
Ha, you said, “hypotenuse”. Woodpecker should send you one of those elusive and nifty Woodpecker pencils for your Pythagorean grade review. That is, if they’re on the level.
Nathan
looks like it’s for the guy that also bought a $7000 cabinet saw that sits idle most days of the week.
pass.
if it had been 6 inch at that price I might have considered it – useful features yes, but then so are other things that are cheaper.
Mitchell
Oh, btw… my supplier and Lowe’s prices were identical and, I am not sure how much time passed, I looked for the Knipex display in Lowe’s and POOF… it was gone! I never looked for an explanation. Years earlier I had asked a sales associate about why Milwaukee had disappeared (i knew the answer.. lol) .. kid looked at me quizzically and said….. “Milwaukee?!.. I can check the computer”…. makes me wonder about our “Made in America ” children! Ok, guys… I AM KIDDING! After a total of 42 years in the military, I had the honor and privelege of working with… then commanding some of the Greatest “kids” on Earth! Happy Father’s Day to those where applicable!
ktash
Woodpecker makes more than the one-time tools. I’ve bought a some of their “open stock”, like their flip stops and hold-downs. I keep a supply of their great! star knobs to make jigs with Cheaper than most knobs made for jigs and better made/more versatile. These are all reasonably priced. From what I hear, they make great router tables and things like that, on par with other companies. It’s a good company, dedicated to quality.
Nearly all of their one-time tools are out of my league pricewise. I’d love to have this little speed square, but no way to justify the cost. I did buy a $30 saddle square a while back and do use it regularly. More than I’d usually spend, but still affordable for me.
I kind of wonder if these one-time tools are part of a larger strategy. They create a buzz and keep woodpeckers’ name out there. Advertising, in other words. They are so darned ingenious. Plus it seems like they must have fun with this, making unique tools. They are artisans. If you study what the tools do and how, you can learn some things sometimes. And apply them in your own way. (For instance, I’m tempted to some holes in a speed square). Also, the one-time tool sales may help them stay viable, since they don’t lose money on stock that doesn’t sell.
I don’t begrudge them doing this, but don’t plan to buy many of these.
Noah
This is pretty much made exactly for me. Finally a Woodpeckers I can afford.
fred
I have to say that I’ve not bought a lot from Woodpeckers – but what I’ve bought – I believe I’ve put to good use. I did “bite” on one of their one-time tools – a set of fences – spacers and set-up pieces to work with my Festool Domino XL. It arrived this April and I’ve used it several times now – found it useful on a few projects – perhaps very useful on a drop-leaf table (especially the aprons) I built. IMO if you compare quality/price/utility Woodpeckers’ tools are worth considering if you can get beyond the initial sticker price.
I previously mentioned Bridge City Tools – but with them I’ve only bought one item – a gauge they call a “kerfmaker” – which is handy albeit expensive. Many of their other tools were for me, so shockingly expensive to prohibit a second look. If I want to buy something to collect (rather than use) – I think I prefer stamps and coins over tools – or at least antique tools (maybe a Norris Plane?)
Grady
Very high quality and made in the USA ! $50.00 May seem a little pricy but their worth it. If you don’t like it don’t buy it. Woodpeckers squares are more precise than your orange plastic speed square @ HD. Woodpeckers knows their market and manufacture their products accordingly for woodworkers and furniture makers not carpenters building a barn. Never known a professional electrician that used a multimeter from HF. If you use your tools accessionly buy whatever you want. If you are a professional and make your living with them buy quality!
Pablo
They should start calling these the “sometime tool”.
They’re not particularly great (okay, awful) at meeting their shipping estimates.
Tom DelVecchio
Ben you nailed it in your First Thoughts. Every surface is a usable dimension. Think of the base as a set up block that you can also use to scribe lines. I designed this tool with small parts in mind where a larger square is a little awkward because of its size. The Delve Square is 3 ½” because a 2 by 4 and 1 by 4 measure out at 3 ½”. Most of the parts I work on are under 3 ½”.
mark
Seeing this started out as your baby, would you kindly answer some questions about it and your relationship with WP?
I ordered a one-time tool, the gap gauge set, for over $110 I think, which didn’t deliver yet. I thought I’d get much more use from the DelVe square, which was being advertised at the same price as the smaller of the two gap gauges. I think the large was $59.95 and the small was $49.95, and both for $109.95?)
If I had a high paying job–make that any paying job, as I’m permanently disabled and my only income is about $665/MONTH S.S.–I wouldn’t mind paying for it, but because of my physical & financial condition, I e-mailed them asking if I can cancel the smaller gap gauge and replace it with the DelVe square and if any difference in price I’d pay that difference.
I never even received a reply to my e-mail. That’s going on a couple weeks now.
Are you employed in any way by Woodpeckers?
And do you get any royalties on the DelVe square?
Thanks in advance.
Stuart
Mark, have you tried calling Woodpeckers? Their number is 1-800-752-0725.
I’ve emailed Woodpeckers a couple of times and received prompt responses. This was as a customer, with my personal email account, and not my ToolGuyd one.
I would encourage you to try again. Sometimes things do go wrong with email delivery.
mark
Stuart, I’m losing my hearing and memory and am no good on phones… e-mails I can go back and find what I wrote or they replied. I just looked it up and I sent the message on 6/26… I explained the financial difficulty and included my name and even the order #.
I just got my city tax bill Thursday and with that $664/mo (YES, month, not week), I somehow must pay city taxes of $409.xx & sewer bill of $110.xx by 7/30, car insurance, repair/replace the leaking roof on the house, gas bill, electric bill, phone bill, cable bill, monthly prescriptions, etc, not to mention a 2nd $409.xx tax payment due I think September 30!
I have bought WP things in the past, the 32″ T-square, the saw gauge, the 90-degree clamping L’s (forgot their exact name), etc., but only the 90* clamping bars directly–everything else was from other vendors like Carbide and Toolnut, but must pay tax thru Amazon & Toolnut.
james
They are way over priced, unless maybe, and even maybe, you make a lot of money selling your furniture and the like. So this is not for the “pros.”. I looked for a bevel gauge and a 7″ one was $109.00. BTW it is retired. The big one was around twenty five hundred, kidding, but a lot. It is nuts.
Because it is made in the U.S. does not mean the measuring unit should cost more than the tool and stock. When did “in the U.S.” mean I have to spend around 1000 dollars for five or six measuring items, being facetious of course.
I told them this too. My father didn’t fight, and have friends die in WW 2, so that a company can charge ridiculous amounts of money for a product.
They use the U.S A. Name to charge what they want and a bunch of people, with money to burn, jump on it so they can say (with it in the corner not being used) ” I only buy American. ” You know with that smug look.
I support America like no ones buisness, but I also know when the American consumer, average consumer, is getting screwed. Did you look at the aluminum prices lately??? not to high. Look you can buy whatever you want, but until something is done, politically, then you will have to pay $109.00 plus shipping, I assume, for a bevel gauge.
Like someone said , it is niche, I think, because their product is not cost competitive. Stop comparing to plastic ones to make a point.
Look at their factory and to get that precise, you use what, MACHNES. So this helping the american WORKER. It looks like there are 10 “craftsmen.”
All I want is good American products, in this case tools, that aren’t cost prohibitive for most hard working people in this land.
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME BROTHERS
GOD BLESS
JAMES
Araceli Romero
Hola buenas tardes
Quisiera saber cuánto cuesta la escuadra
Donde la puedo pedir
Cuanto tarda en llegar
En cuanto sale el envio