Posted by
Easy WoodCraft on
Feb 25, 2016
A bevel gauge (or sliding T-bevel) is an invaluable layout tool in the shop. You can use it to verify angles, set tools to match angles, and lay out virtually any angle. Most bevel gauges feature a metal slotted blade and a stock or body made of wood, plastic, or metal, available in a variety of sizes. The blade conveniently slips into the slot in the body for storage. The blade is locked in place by tightening a thumbscrew, wing nut, lever, or knob at the base of the stock.
Duplicating an angle
A common use of the bevel gauge is to duplicate an angle so that you can reproduce it. To do this, loosen the thumbscrew or wing nut so it's friction-tight, and press the stock of the gauge up against the edge of the work-piece. Then angle the blade until it rests on the angled end of the work-piece. Tighten the wing nut, and then use the gauge to duplicate this angle on another work-piece.
Setting with a protractor
In many cases you'll want to set the bevel gauge to an exact angle, or read the
angle you've just set (such as when you're duplicating an angle). The most accurate way to do this is to use a protractor. The critical point here is to make sure that the blade of the bevel gauge intersects the base of the protractor exactly on center. Then either adjust the blade to the desired angle, or read the angle of the blade.
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