Author Topic: Best bevel gauge? (Read 4879 times)

ear3 · « **on:** April 12, 2017, 08:07 AM »

I just threw my crappy bevel gauge at the wall after it slipped while trying to transfer an angle. Was wondering what people recommend by way of solid units that truly lock down the angle when you tighten the knob (and don't flex or slip)? I know Woodpecker has done an OTT version in the past, but I was hoping to get one sooner than the next run of those.

scholar · « **Reply #1 on:** April 12, 2017, 08:18 AM »

I assume you mean what I have always called a sliding bevel?

In which case, I don't think you can improve on the Veritas Sliding Bevel - it has a cam lever instead of the usual wing nut:
- it is easier to set
- it holds more firmly
- it will lie flat on either face

I just googled it and it seems it is no longer available - this is a shame as it is one of the nicest tools I have, a joy to use. See here http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/Page.aspx?p=73195&cat=1,42936,50298,43508

Cheers

ear3 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 12, 2017, 08:28 AM »

Right, sliding bevel. And yes, the website lists it as no longer available. Schade.

RustE · « **Reply #3 on:** April 12, 2017, 08:44 AM »

I believe this one is made in Japan by Shinwa and frequently gets good reviews. More economical than the Starrett or Lie Nielsen offerings.
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=32594&cat=1,42936,50298,43508

HarveyWildes · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2017, 09:01 AM »

Quote from: scholar on April 12, 2017, 08:18 AM

I assume you mean what I have always called a sliding bevel?

In which case, I don't think you can improve on the Veritas Sliding Bevel - it has a cam lever instead of the usual wing nut:
- it is easier to set
- it holds more firmly
- it will lie flat on either face

I just googled it and it seems it is no longer available - this is a shame as it is one of the nicest tools I have, a joy to use. See here http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/Page.aspx?p=73195&cat=1,42936,50298,43508

Cheers

Bummer!!! I've gotten good use out of mine for 15 years or so, and agree that it is the best of the 4-5 bevels that I've tried over the years, for all the reasons that you mentioned.

tjbnwi · « **Reply #5 on:** April 12, 2017, 09:23 AM »

I use this one, so far no issues (had it about 6 months).

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-True-Blue-Heavy-Duty-Aluminum-T-Bevel-132/202035310

Tom

deepcreek · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2017, 09:29 AM »

I prefer a Shinwa bevel gauge. It's built to last and I've had mine for years.

Here is a link at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Sliding-T-Bevel-8-Blade/dp/B0037XS27A

zapdafish · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2017, 09:41 AM »

they may have some left

http://www.woodpeck.com/bevel-gauge-2016.html#3472

SRSemenza · « **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2017, 09:57 AM »

I prefer the end lock rather than the knob or wing nut on the side. I find it easier to lock with out moving the angle. I haven't tried the lever style.

I have the Woodpecker's. It can be set so that it only takes a 1/4 turn to lock it. Of course availability may / will be the issue. And it does lock tight.

That Shinwa looks pretty good.

Seth

deepcreek · « **Reply #9 on:** April 12, 2017, 10:41 AM »

Quote from: SRSemenza on April 12, 2017, 09:57 AM

I prefer the end lock rather than the knob or wing nut on the side. I find it easier to lock with out moving the angle. I haven't tried the lever style.

Me, too. Much easier in my opinion. I can see the lever getting in the way of transferring the angle if you have to reverse it.

Quote from: SRSemenza on April 12, 2017, 09:57 AM

That Shinwa looks pretty good.

I'd be willing to bet it's built as well as the Woodpecker at a fraction of the price. It's one of my favorite tools to use.

scholar · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2017, 11:21 AM »

Quote from: deepcreek on April 12, 2017, 10:41 AM

I can see the lever getting in the way of transferring the angle if you have to reverse it.

It's academic as you cannot get them now, but I don't follow this point - one great advantage of the lever style is that you can lay it either side once set (that appears to be tg case also with the end-screw models others have shown, but they require two-handed setting - see below).

Another point I should have mentioned is that you set the lever with your thumb, effectively one-handed; this frees your other hand to hold the the tang tight to the required angle.

Cheers

Cheese · « **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2017, 12:21 PM »

Woodpeckers without a doubt, the next best would be a Starrett but it's rather small (6") for general woodworking. The Shinwa is nice because it's inexpensive and it locks up in a similar fashion to the Woodpeckers. Once locked up, the Woodpeckers gauge will not move.

Avoid Crown at all costs...

ewils91 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 12, 2017, 12:53 PM »

Yes, Woodpeckers for sure. You won't be sorry.

Rusty Miller · « **Reply #13 on:** April 12, 2017, 01:42 PM »

I have the Woodpecker one also and really like it. If money is not object check out the ones made by Vesper tool, they are the best made by most reviews.

Rusty

ewils91 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 12, 2017, 01:44 PM »

Quote from: bnaboatbuilder on April 12, 2017, 01:02 PM

The Woodpeckers OTT bevel gauge most likely won't be available again until next year. Pattern of availaiblity has been 2012, 2014 and 2016.
[/quote

True, I called them last week on a non-current one time tool and they had a couple in inventory. Just a heads up if you really want something from them it might be worth a shot.

RustE · « **Reply #15 on:** April 12, 2017, 02:08 PM »

Quote from: ewils91 on April 12, 2017, 01:44 PM

True, I called them last week on a non-current one time tool and they had a couple in inventory. Just a heads up if you really want something from them it might be worth a shot.

What did you get? I inquired about the 6SS Carpenters Square and was told to check with them again in early May.

ear3 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2017, 02:40 PM »

Thanks for all the replies thus far. Gonna call Woodpeckers, and failing that, maybe go with the Shinwa

Dogberryjr · « **Reply #17 on:** April 12, 2017, 03:03 PM »

Wow, I'm glad I picked up one of the Veritas gauges. Lee Valley discontinues some unexpected items.

ear3 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 12, 2017, 03:19 PM »

Sweet. Just called Woodpeckers and they still had a few of the 12" in stock. So ordered one up. Then I got off the phone and realized I had just paid $130 for a bevel gauge

...Oh well. I assume this one will last a lifetime.

ben_r_ · « **Reply #19 on:** April 12, 2017, 03:30 PM »

Quote from: Edward A Reno III on April 12, 2017, 03:19 PM

Sweet. Just called Woodpeckers and they still had a few of the 12" in stock. So ordered one up. Then I got off the phone and realized I had just paid $130 for a bevel gauge ...Oh well. I assume this one will last a lifetime.

Nice! I have the Woodpeckers OTT 7" with the Angel Reference Plate and the Starrett 47. Both are very nice, but definitely the Woodpeckers for woodworking when its possible to get one.

ewils91 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 12, 2017, 03:52 PM »

Quote from: RustE on April 12, 2017, 02:08 PM

Quote from: ewils91 on April 12, 2017, 01:44 PM
True, I called them last week on a non-current one time tool and they had a couple in inventory. Just a heads up if you really want something from them it might be worth a shot.

What did you get? I inquired about the 6SS Carpenters Square and was told to check with them again in early May.

I got their bar guages in a systainer. 😀

ewils91 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 12, 2017, 03:55 PM »

Quote from: Edward A Reno III on April 12, 2017, 03:19 PM

Sweet. Just called Woodpeckers and they still had a few of the 12" in stock. So ordered one up. Then I got off the phone and realized I had just paid $130 for a bevel gauge ...Oh well. I assume this one will last a lifetime.

Umm, I bought 2, is that bad? I tell my wife I have one, I hope she doesn't see them together.

derekcohen · « **Reply #22 on:** April 13, 2017, 11:46 AM »

The best bevel gauge is made by Chris Vesper.

https://www.vespertools.com.au/sliding-bevels/blackwood-infilled-sliding-bevels/

They cost a bit more than Woodpeckers. But worth it.

Regards from Perth

Derek

ben_r_ · « **Reply #23 on:** April 13, 2017, 12:54 PM »

Quote from: derekcohen on April 13, 2017, 11:46 AM

The best bevel gauge is made by Chris Vesper.

https://www.vespertools.com.au/sliding-bevels/blackwood-infilled-sliding-bevels/

They cost a bit more than Woodpeckers. But worth it.

Man, that design looks suspiciously similar to the Woodpeckers one. I wonder if they made a deal with this guy to use his design.

Either way, that makes the Woodpeckers one a better deal! Grab one if you can!

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #24 on:** April 14, 2017, 09:31 AM »

"that design looks suspiciously similar to the Woodpeckers"

Both (and the Shinwa) are derived from the venerable Stanley No. 18 from over a century ago.

By far the best deal in bevel gauges is to buy an antique No. 18 in good condition.

I'd suggest buying one even if you just bought the WP version. Having extra bevels locked in is as handy as having extra combination squares set to the setbacks you often use.

PS I bought a Shinwa last year and the blade is so soft it bends in both directions.
Maybe it was defective but if you buy one check it out before it's too late to return it.

leakyroof · « **Reply #25 on:** April 14, 2017, 10:57 AM »

Quote from: derekcohen on April 13, 2017, 11:46 AM

The best bevel gauge is made by Chris Vesper.

https://www.vespertools.com.au/sliding-bevels/blackwood-infilled-sliding-bevels/

They cost a bit more than Woodpeckers. But worth it.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Are those prices Aus or US currency?

Cheese · « **Reply #26 on:** April 14, 2017, 11:20 AM »

Quote from: Michael Kellough on April 14, 2017, 09:31 AM

I'd suggest buying one even if you just bought the WP version. Having extra bevels locked in is as handy as having extra combination squares set to the setbacks you often use.

That's exactly the method I use to replace captured treads or risers. The 12" WP bevel is set for the LH side of the tread while the 7" WP is set for the RH side of the tread.

HarveyWildes · « **Reply #27 on:** April 15, 2017, 01:25 AM »

I emailed Veritas regarding their sliding bevel. They responded "Yes unfortunately the rumor is true, the sliding bevels are no longer available. We are working to replace them but have no details to pass on at the moment. Hopefully it will not be too long." Given the Veritas reputation for quality, I'd expect a reasonably good design when they do announce a replacement.

VW MICK · « **Reply #28 on:** April 15, 2017, 02:39 AM »

I have a bahco one it's ok

I have an idea for a homemade one on my to do list

But would love a set of the woodpeckers ones

It's probably a good thing one time tools are not available in the U.K.

Mick

ear3 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 16, 2017, 12:33 PM »

That was a quick turnaround