8" Hardwood Sliding T-Bevel - B85  Product Reviews

"There are more than a few bevel gauges out there to choose from. I have seen some selling dangerously close to 100 bucks. Looking at my paycheck and since I am relatively new to carpentry, I decided to start closer to the bottom and work my way up if I need. I grabbed one of these Johnson B85s at the local Big Box store. Upon first inspection, it seems cheap. The wood handle is completely unfinished. It has sharp edges and a rough surface. Okay, a little use and wear will patina the wood and smooth the rough edges. I can live with that. The metal blade is nothing special. But what brings this tool down in my mind is the locking mechanism. This consists of a brass wing-nut that cinches down to clamp the metal blade between the two pieces of wood handle. The wing-nut is constantly in the way. Furthermore, it does only a mediocre (at best) job of actually securing the blade. Too many times have I carefully gauged an angle only to see my bevel gauge move at the slightest of touches on my way down a ladder and to the saw. Imagine the three stooges measuring an angle and cutting a piece of lumber and you're close to the frustration this can cause. Buy this if you're brand-new to the game of carpentry. Use it to get started and learn how to properly measure angles and cuts. Then search for a superior tool for use down the road. I am still looking for it myself."