Best bevel gauge?

[ear3]

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.

 

[jt073]

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 herehttp://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/Page.aspx?p=73195&cat=1,42936,50298,43508

Cheers

 

[ear3]

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

 

[RustE]

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]

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 herehttp://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]

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]

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]

they may have some left
http://www.woodpeck.com/bevel-gauge-2016.html#3472

 

[semenza]

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]

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.

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.

 

[jt073]

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]

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]

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

 

[rustym]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Dogberryjr]

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

 

[ear3]

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  [scared] ...Oh well.  I assume this one will last a lifetime.

 

[ben_r_]

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  [scared] ...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.