I was wondering if the magic square could achieve all the functionality of the mega, monster, mutant, and minion (if the bolt will actually resist the pulling forces). If so, would it be a good idea to just get two magic squares and a 3 axis square?
I feel like there is probably something I am missing and a mega square would be a good idea. So, would one mega, one magic square, and one 3 axis be a good combo? My thoughts are that using the magic square pieces individually could replace the minions, and the mega square has all the functionality and more compared to the monster and mutant. So, if i ever needed another square I could add one more mega for a total of 2.
Even then, I can’t add much and I’m a welder/fabricator myself.
I found the minion squares to be useful as I have two sets (total of 4) as well as multiple mega squares, as well as squares I welded up myself.
I don’t use any one more than the other and in fact, I’ve built several frames that came out completely square over a 12’ length before I bought any squares at all. Definitely would’ve been useful to have, but I did without them anyway.
With that said, it just comes down to how well you can get things done on your own, and where you see the benefit in each set.
For me, I saw no benefit in buying a magic square at all and never will. Same with their 3 axis setup.
I’d rather buy another set of mega squares or minions over that 3 axis kit.
My only gripe with buying too small of a square is being forced to use small pliers/grips.
I have several, but I have a lot more of the larger variety than I do of the small variety.
Something to keep in mind.
I also have all dragonscale squares as I’ve never tried (or bothered to look into) their aluminum sets.
Something changed as far as production since their stuff is now all “smooth” and “shiny”. In the video above you’ll notice the mega square that’s closer to the camera is much darker. That’s the latest addition to the set. I found no difference in the way it works as far as weld spatter or anything.
I think I have 6" tall minions and they work well with any clamps.
It’s only with the 6" mega square, where if you use their positioning tab, can force you to use say a Milwaukee 6" c-clamp. But for everything else, I use 11" clamps without issue.
Some tools can absolutely add efficiency, but I don’t buy into all the hype.
I have most of my squares in a bag in a tub because they’re more useful to me when I don’t have something to place down flat or rest against (repairs outside my shop).
Here’s one more pic to show that you can use large clamps everywhere except the tops.
My advice to you is get yourself just a pair of mega squares.
Start with that alone as it will cover 90s and 45s, which are the most common thing you’ll run into.
Where I found these squares useful are when I’m building (whether on or off the table), and need an assembly to maintain a specific angle. In short, adding integrity to the structure as I lay it out.
But it is more important to build a a large assembly out of smaller assemblies first.
For example if you’re doing a sort of “cube”, you would build the 4 sided frame (top one and bottom one) as two smaller assemblies.
Then you can build up the legs using your squares again ensuring that the legs are perpendicular to the frames being welded to.
I’ll be heading out for a bit and will be back in a few hours so if there’s a specific question you have about what I have shown there on my table, do ask.
Before I ever got fab squares, I would typically make my own jigs or squares as it’s super easy to do. You can do this with scrap square tube even; this thing is a few years old already and I still use it from time to time.
Here is a small machinist square to showcase how square it is, along with some tools.
