Thread: Bevel gauge

I build boats when I get the chance and one tool I need is a small bevel gauge around 3" very handy for confined spaces you get on boats plus you can carry it around in a pocket cause you never know when it's needed. Most I've seen are home made simple non sliding affairs just a couple of bits of old hacksaw blade riveted together. Somehow I just never get around toit.
Anyway went to our local woodworking tool store the other day to get a couple of sanding drums and wondered around the shelves to see if they had an elcheapo, nup 6" was the smallest.
So paying for the goodies at the counter I asked the assistant about stock no he says we don't keep them but we do have one of these he says pointing at the shelf in the locked display cabinet.
Behold a beautiful Chris Vespers 4" sliding bevel gauge.

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Man I was tempted but inquiring of the price there seemed to be some indecision while looking at the computer screen was it $280 no no he says make that $245 then he pulls out the catalogue and there is the non inlaid version ah that's it the inlaid is $245 and non inlaid is $280. Huh I think that can't be right.
Anyway he retrieves it from the cabinet and what a magnificent thing, first time I've seen an example of Chris's work up close. I'm still sorely tempted but checking Chris's site buying direct seems the go.
Perhaps I'll leave the catalogue lying around with it circled as a hint for Christmas.