Any options for a small bevel gauge?

[Rob Luter]

Hmmm...
Attachment 501404
Rosewood, Brass, Blued Steel...what's not to love?
Stanley SW No. 20, 6"

I used to have a couple Disstons with this construction. Really nice pieces. The Stanley #18 stole my heart and the Disstons moved on.

[Tony Shea]

Derek, that's showing off! Those Vesper Bevel's are a tool I have lusted over for years. I was fortunate enough to mess around with one at a Lie Nielson Open House in Warren, Maine. The action of the locking mechanism was like something I've never handled before in a sliding bevel. I own a Blue Spruce sliding bevel, which I really love, but the Vesper locking mechanism is sooo much better executed. I assume this comes down to the precision he works at as well as the quality in materials. Unfortunately I have waited too long to actually pull the trigger on one as everything he sells is "not available" for quit some time.

[Rob Luter]

Agreed. The Vespers are as much art as utility.

[Matthew Eason]

If anyone has one of these 4" Blue Spruce or Vesper units available I'd be interested.

[James White]

Does the Shinwa lock good and tight? I have their other style and the slightest knock will throw it off. I suppose I need to use a screwdriver from now on. But, I always wanted one with the lock mechanism at the butt end.

I use both an 8” Shinwa and a WP bevel gauge. I find myself reaching for the Shinwa more often as it is lighter.

Might not be small enough for the OPs needs but it locks up tight without the need for tools. Good price and works well.

https://taytools.com/products/shinwa...ss-steel-blade

[Dean Arthur]

James, from my experience with them both, the bottom locking one (from Keegan's link) locks up tight but the other model they offer, the one with the side thumbscrew, does not. Other members have said you need to use a screwdriver on the latter.

[steven c newman]

Hmm,
Stanley No. 18, no logo side.jpg
Picked for $4 the other day..
Stanley No. 18, Logo side.jpg
So...that adds up to....$1 per inch of Handle..

Cute little critter...

[David Zor]

Hillview wood and metal makes a nice bevel gage with bottom screw. I bought the 4” bevel with a solid brass body. Quite pleased with it. They are not cheap, but they are more affordable and attainable than just about everything else in this market. He makes a 7” as well.

[Dean Arthur]

Hillview wood and metal makes a nice bevel gage with bottom screw. I bought the 4” bevel with a solid brass body. Quite pleased with it. They are not cheap, but they are more affordable and attainable than just about everything else in this market. He makes a 7” as well.

Thanks David - Hillview wasn't on my radar but I'll give them a look. I remember being intrigued by his block plane.

Still obviously on the lookout. A creeker pointed out an option on ebay that I tried, but it was a bust. Derek suggested I reach out to Chris Vesper directly to see what he could do, which I did - but unfortunately didn't hear anything back.

So the search continues...

[glenn bradley]

Just more input . . . I use the inexpensive small Crown. I replaced the wing nut with a small brass knurled knob since I can grab it at any point of rotation. This is a small thing but when you are trying to apply torque while holding the gauge in position you don't want to fumble for the wings. It has done everything I have needed to do. I do have the large Veritas gauge and one in between the two. All have been useful and for a tool, that is what it really comes down to for me. I have several "really" nice tools whose job could be done by lesser items BUT, I like having them. I used a LAJ for a shooting plane for years. I got a Veritas Shooting plane for a gift. It does the same job but man, does it do it nicer

[Jim Koepke]

I used a LAJ for a shooting plane for years. I got a Veritas Shooting plane for a gift. It does the same job but man, does it do it nicer

I agree

jtk