Best bevel gauge?

[ewils91]

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]

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.

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

 

[derekcohen]

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_]

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]

"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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

That was a quick turnaround

 

[ewils91]

Very cool, I hope it works as well for you as they do for me.

 

[jdw101]

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

Wow I had no idea, I am going to be much nicer to mine now.  I only have the single large one, I didn't even realize they had offered different sizes.  That is a nice gauge, wonder why they stopped making them.

 

[ben_r_]

Wow I had no idea, I am going to be much nicer to mine now.  I only have the single large one, I didn't even realize they had offered different sizes.  That is a nice gauge, wonder why they stopped making them.

You should always be nice to your tools, so they will last you.

 

[jdw101]

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

That is a thing of beauty.  Thanks for sharing!

 

[jdw101]

I went out and looked to buy one or more and swallowed hard.  Those are amazing tools but going to have to save for that one :O  Really wonderful though. 

 

[SS Teach]

It seems Woodpecker's bevel gauge will be available in November. It will be a OTT, available in 7 and 12 inch versions. Also available will be a device to tell you what the angle is in degrees.

 

[ben_r_]

It seems Woodpecker's bevel gauge will be available in November. It will be a OTT, available in 7 and 12 inch versions. Also available will be a device to tell you what the angle is in degrees.

Where are you getting that information from?

 

[GiveMeYourStonework]

It amazes me how bad the tools are here in the UK compared to what you see as standard in the US. A bevel over here would cost £8-£10 and be useless almost instantly (to a brickie).

 

[Cheese]

The best to hang on a wall...the Vesper, it’s beautiful, absolutely stunning.

The best to use...the Woodpeckers, just make sure you purchase it with the angle gauge. Accurate to 1/4 degree.

 

[Chris Vesper]

Hi Ben,
The original king of bevels was Issiah J Robinson of the St Johnsbury Tool Co in VT.  First patented in 1876 I believe.  Lots of info on googles if you care to look. 
My tools are closely modeled on these, with many improvements of my own design over the original, particularly the mechanism. 
I've got no links or deals going with anyone, and never will.  I've been making the current type of my bevels for over 10 years now, so if anyone else comes along and makes something similar at a later date then you know what's going on.  I'm confident nobody will ever match my quality though. 

I'm also amazed that someone paid $130 USD for the japanese bevel from a large retail chain, my hand made cheapest ones are around $160 USD for the smallest one, and about $210 USD for the biggest one.  Plus shipping from Aus mind you.  Could be time for a price rise here for my hand made work perhaps... ;-)

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!