A bevel gauge or false square is an adjustable gauge used for setting and transferring angles. A hardwood blade is connected to a wooden handle with a wing nut.
Working with larger projects it would make sense to make a larger bevel gauge. I have never seen large ones in stores.
The gauge I will be making will be 15" in length. To cut the wood to size I will use a mitre gauge and a stopblock.
I then used my tablesaw clamp to make sure the piece cut tight to the fence. This helps to make a clean and accurate cut.
The gauge handle will be Brazilian cherry and the blade will be maple.
Note: Everything can be sanded except for the inside of the 2 handle parts. Leaving these rough is important for clamping, when the wing nut is tightened it locks the blade real tight.
The 3 pieces are clamped together with a hand screw clamp then put in a vise and one end is marked using a compass. Now the end can be drilled and rounded.
The clamp is still on and a bolt is put in and the end can be trimmed on the bandsaw.
Now it can be cleaned up with the belt sander.
The end block is glued and clamped after it is dry it can be trimmed down.
A bolt, washer and wingnut will be used for the blade and handle. Tightening the wingnut will keep it very secure in any position.
I did a few tests at different angles and it works great.
Conclusion
Bevel gauges are a must for any shop and making one yourself is very rewarding. A large one will come in handy when working with larger projects.
I don't know why large ones are not available in store. I like the idea I wont have to fuss with different size rulers when marking angles.
See Also
Mini Kerf Maker Pocket Bevel Gauge
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