Howdy,

I just can't seem to find a bevel guage that is longer than 12". I would like to have one that is @ 18 to 20". Anybody out there know of a resource for lengthy bevel guages? Or does anyone have any ideas on fabricating one?

I am thinking about making one, material choice would be key. The longer that bevel gets combined with the mass the greater the purchase needs to be on the locking mechanism. A bevel that moves after you set it can be disatrous.

Thanks

Although a bit on the big side, Johnson Tools Adjust-A-Square is a combo t-square sliding bevel at 48" x 16" of 1/4" aluminum. You could cut the long arm to just over 24" before you get into the sliding track. It has a big handle to tighten down snugly too.
Rob

Hey Rob,

That's cool. That'll work. I'd like to have something that has the "blade" slip into the cavity of the reference. That way I could have a reference on both sides. I can see myself flipping this thing around a lot. The picture that I looked up looks like the nut might be a little proud of an edge also creating a problem with referencing. Could be the picture, but I can't imagine them designing it like that.

p.s. by the way, welcome to the conversation.

Thanks

Mo, do you have a specific task in mind for this tool?

It is always good to see new posters.

Tim

Hey Tim,

Just big timber work. I can see it being helpful with layout of purlin housings on hips or the occasional times when the angle is acute enough where it just won't reach.

I've always liked bevels when the angle is anything other than 90.

Thanks

I have been using a framing square sandwiched between two pieces of aluminum angle iron. The 2" stock is wide enough to assist with timbers with wane. Probably not the same need as you described but is adjustable to any angle.

Tim

These adjustable handles allow one to put a lot of clamping pressure and they adjust out of the way without loosening the pressure.

http://www.monroeengineering.com/adjustable_handles

Making the rest of the gauge should be pretty simple, one could even use a stable hardwood for the body and metal for the blade.
Big Timberworks did make some that are all aluminum and around 18-20". Not sure if they have any to sell though?

For complex hip and valley rafter layout the Alpha protractor square combo is available in the USA as well as Canada....

http://www.tfguild.org/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=18576#Post18576

Feb special in USA $125 includes shipping....

I've seen the Big timber bevel guage-- really nice.

Mo did you ever see darryl's big aluminum one? That's where he got it, I believe.

I have a rather large shinwa bevel guage, but it has a brace that keeps you from being able to flip it over. That's why I have two. I'd rather have one like you're looking for. They are indispensable on compound work.

Like This? Found mine on ebay. I think it's home made. Locks with a giant wing nut (on the flip side in the photo, unfortunately). Like Gable says: Indispensable for compound work.