A sliding bevel gauge is a must-have for your tool kit. It’s probably most associated with laying out dovetails, but it comes in handy when working with angled joinery as well. It’s a simple tool consisting of a beam and a pivoting blade with some way to secure it. It really only needs to do one thing well, and that’s to hold its angle once you lock it in place. In addition, the locking mechanism shouldn’t get in the way when you’re using it. While there are many gauges on the market, most fail one or both of these tests. With this in mind, I was curious to try out the offering from Blue Spruce, which has a reputation for turning out some nice tools. At first glance, the fit and finish was beautiful, and I was happy to see a lock-down knob on the bottom of the beam, where it’s safely out of the way during use. I was even happier to see that with moderate pressure to the knob, the blade held firmly in place. While you can spend less for a bevel gauge, I’m not sure you’ll find one that works as well.

—Michael Pekovich is FWW’s editor and creative director.

Photo: Michael Pekovich

From Fine Woodworking #290

Bevel-gauge basics

Simple tool tames any angle

Workshop Tip: Check and set hand tools with an angle finder

This tip works great on sliding bevels, miter gauges, and squares.

A Basic Layout Kit

Well-made furniture and cabinets start with accurate layout tools

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

Buy at Lee Valley

Starrett 4" Double Square

Head is easy to remove, replace, and lock down; narrowest blade, at 5⁄8 in., made it easier to fit into tight places; hard to read under bright lights.

Buy at Woodcraft Buy at Amazon

Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

Buy at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks