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Thread: Sliding bevel

  1. #1
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    Default Sliding bevel

    I am probably over thinking this but I need a sliding bevel and it seems like a simple tool but there is a huge price range in what is out there.

    Is there much of a difference between a cheap one, say less then $20 vs one around $40-50? There are some at about $100 which seems ridiculous

    I suppose the 2 things I need to be worried about are the locking mechanism being clumsy and moving whilst being locked down and loosing the angle because the locking mechanism is no good.

    Is there much of a difference between one which locks at the join between the 2 parts vs one which locks at the end of the handle part?

    Anyone have recommendations? I want the cheapest reliable one.

    Please dont recommend vesper tools lol

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  3. #2
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    There is a reason Chris Vesper’s sliding bevel is so often recommended. It locks and stays locked. Besides, it is beautiful. Admittedly, it is expensive.

    Another one with an excellent locking system (which I have) is the Stanley #18. They are around and can be had. Lightweight compared to Vesper, but otherwise excellent ...



    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  4. #3
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    IanW makes absolutely beautiful sliding bevels and I've never any issues with the lock.

    Maybe he can be persuaded to do another batch as they sell like hotcakes.......

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

  5. #4
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    I have a Starrett 47 bevel and am very happy with it; there's enough spring tension in the beam to hold the blade steady while not clamped and when it's tightened it's very securely locked.

    Not exactly cheap though, they're around $100 second hand on ebay
    THE L.S. STARRETT NO. 47 IMPROVED UNIVERSAL BEVEL. "MADE IN THE USA" | eBay

  6. #5
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    Derek's suggestion is what I would go for first, while a Veritas unit would be my suggestion. I've had mine for quite some time, maybe 20 + years not sure, but it is a joy to use.

    I suggest Derek's as first choice mainly because the locking mechanism is at the rear completely out of the way, this enables you to switch sides or mirror an angle without having to contend with a wing nut getting in the road. The cost, as mentioned, is usually very good.

    I ended up getting my Veritas unit as I could operate it one handed, or to be precise, one finger or thumb. It is a gem of a tool.

    Mick.


    Bevel_Gauge_Veritas_IMG_20190907_193038.jpg

  7. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by derekcohen View Post

    Another one with an excellent locking system (which I have) is the Stanley #18. They are around and can be had. Lightweight compared to Vesper, but otherwise excellent ...



    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Derek, could you please take a photo of the other side? I have an fhm (?) which could be a copy, but it's missing the pivot screw, but does have the tail end adjuster.


    Russ

  8. #7
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    I'd also recommend the Veritas sliding bevel, nice to use and obtainable without making a blood sacrifice. I have one of IanW's mini sliding bevels and it is even nicer to use and lockdown, but you may have to make the aforementioned sacrifice to get one. On a budget the Bahco bevels are pretty good. I wouldn't recommend the Crown sliding bevel with the wing nut, I can never lock it down without having it move a little and even when I think it's locked down it might move a little. But it could just be user error.

  9. #8
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    Is the Veritas one still available?
    Veritas® Sliding Bevels - Lee Valley Tools

    The Stanley one shown by Derek is excellent. Couldn’t see any for sale on epay aust though.
    You boys like Mexico ?

  10. #9
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    Have been using Stanleys for fifty years.

  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sam View Post
    Is the Veritas one still available?
    Veritas® Sliding Bevels - Lee Valley Tools

    The Stanley one shown by Derek is excellent. Couldn’t see any for sale on epay aust though.
    I believe that LV have stopped making them and it is not available these days. I was lucky and bought one of the last that Carbatec had when I heard that LV had stopped making them.
    CHRIS

  12. #11
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    I would have recommended the Veritas, but am aware they are no longer available.

    Russ, this is the other side of the Stanley #18 (courtesy of Google) ..



    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  13. #12
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    Possibly your cheapest usable option and also locally manufactured would be a Silex #78.
    These were a post war copy of the Stanley and were made in Belmont near Newcastle.
    These were available new until the late 90s.
    They are available on fleabay and dumtree for $10 and up depending on condition.
    They are always available at the Melbourne or Sydney tool sales.
    I personally have several Starrett of different sizes,like marking gauges more is better.
    H.
    Jimcracks for the rich and/or wealthy. (aka GKB '88)

  14. #13
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  15. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by RossM View Post
    I hate the tool exchange, it always makes my credit card emit loud sounds of pain and distress.
    CHRIS

  16. #15
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    What has not been mentioned here is why the sliding bevels of Chris Vesper are so desirable (and expensive): it is simply because they are so well made, not just beautiful. The blades are unbendable steel, and they do not lose their settings when dropped (as one does). The Stanley locks very well .. well enough for most people (not as well as the Vesper, but good enough). It is a great sliding bevel but still no Vesper in terms of its components (the blade is not as thick and will flex).





    By contrast, the Silex is cheap and nasty. There are many similar sliding bevels on the market. The blades are not only thin and flexible, but they look chromed. Ugh! The bodies are plastic. Ugh! Ugh!

    In addition to two Vespers, a medium and a small (the latter is really useful for marking out dovetails) - I am lucky and spoilt - I have the Stanley #18 (above) and a couple of vintage Stanley types which one must use a screwdriver to tighten (they are a pain in the bum but get used as a backup). I use sliding bevel gauges a lot.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

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