Every woodworking shop needs a few good rulers and squares, but those tools aren't always much help when a project calls for an angle other than the usual 90° or 45°. That's where a sliding bevel gauge comes in.
Unlike a square with a fixed blade, a bevel gauge has an adjustable blade that pivots to match virtually any angle. A slot in the blade also allows you to change how far it extends from the handle. Once you have the blade positioned where you want it, simply lock it in place.
Copy & Transfer an Existing Angle
One of the most useful jobs for a bevel gauge is transferring an angle without having to measure it. Place the handle against one surface of a workpiece, adjust the blade until it matches the adjoining angle, and lock it down.
You can then carry that exact angle to another workpiece or use the bevel gauge to help set the angle on a miter saw. This is especially handy when you're fitting parts to an existing project where the actual angle may not be a convenient number.
Set a Bevel Gauge to a Specific Angle
You can also set a bevel gauge when you already know the angle you need. One option is to use a standard protractor to position the blade before locking it in place.
Another handy option is a bevel-setting gauge. The adjustable stop positions the bevel gauge while you align its blade with the desired mark on the scale. Lock the blade, and you've created a physical reference that you can carry directly to the workpiece or tool.
For such a simple tool, a bevel gauge solves a lot of tricky layout problems. Whether you're copying an existing angle or setting one from scratch, it's a useful addition to any woodworking layout kit.
More Essential Woodworking Layout Tools
A bevel gauge is only one of the tools that can make measuring and layout easier and more accurate. For more, check out our guides to 7 Essential Woodworking Layout Tools for Accurate Projects and 5 Essential Woodworking Squares & How to Use Them.
