Quick setup jig using squares magnets and clamps

[Frank S]

You can never have too many framing squares. I'm sure if I were to search through every tool storage area I could dig up a dozen of them.
Many times I will use magnets and framing squares as a set up jig. I don't always need to hold a part in place as much as I need to hold a location in space

[DIYer]

Thanks Frank S! We've added your Setup Jig to our Metalworking category,
as well as to your builder page: Frank S's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Setup Jig by Frank S

tags: jig, magnet

[Toolmaker51]

Machining, welding, prototyping, even photography; a proper set-up is all about stability first, and repeatability is unquestionably next.
Frank S's rig is classic example.
X-Y tooling can be complicated dimensionally, but Z is where things get interesting. It is all about using the same datum for as long it is possible.

11 Nov 2019 edit.
Strikes me this morning, that datum phrase could better express the idea this way; It's all about preserving the datum for as long it is possible.
I'm finishing a long awaited run of parts for myself later today. It will exhibit that concept, including mating parts that one uses the other to index accordingly. Utilizing all three Cartesian axes.

[Steved53]

I agree Frank.... I have an old 2ft x 3ft roofing square that has been very useful over the years.

[Frank S]

I agree Frank.... I have an old 2ft x 3ft roofing square that has been very useful over the years.

I don't know what ever happened to my old tapered framing square since I haven't seen it in many years. I used to have a square that was forged out of Bethlehem steel the back or spine was almost 5/16" thick while the inside was about 1/8" on it was the usual inscribing's for Hip, Val, riser, deg. of slope, and circle segment info on 1 side the other had rafter bracing cut angles and lengths per roof pitch angle. It was the busiest square I had ever seen with regards to the info on it.
I don't have any idea where I got it probably in some auction and I suspect some sticky fingered worker relieved it from my kit