On this page we are offering you two plans to help you create bevel gauges for checking sharpening and most common angles.

When sharpening tools or during the production of various parts, it is necessary to make accurate surfaces under a variety of angles. We may talk about angles between the surfaces of one single part, angles between parts (or subassemblies) that need to be achieved during the assemblage or angles between the cutting tool surfaces ... The way how the structure or the tools work depends on how precisely these angles are made, so it is very useful to have at hand some measuring tool that will enable you to measure angles quickly and reliably.
 
 

Bevel gauges for checking angles
Project difficulty
Simple, requires precision
Skill level
for advanced beginners
Dimensions

Common angles Bevel gauge:  67mm (2 5/8'') x 67mm (2 5/8'') x 70mm (2 3/4mm)

Sharpening bevel gauge:  D 51mm (2'') x 2mm (1/16'')

 

By drilling holes in the bevel gauges, both can also be easily used for checking diameter size of e.g. drills or dowels that you use most frequently in your work. Based on the plan drawings, you can redesign the bevel gauges by making angles in them which you usually come across when working. This also applies to the holes; do not drill any holes of the diameters suggested, but of diameters that are most common in your work (wire, drill bits, screws...). While making the bevel gauges, precisely cut slots for the angles and chamfer all the edges with a file to prevent injuries.

Highlight all the values of angles and hole diameters by engraving, coloring, etc ...

 

The most common angles bevel gauge

With this bevel gauge you can check the angles most commonly dealt with in your work (22.5o,  30o, 45o, 60o, 75o, 82.5o, 90o, 120o, 135o…). If you look at the drawing, you can see that the entire bevel gauge consists of two plates at the right angle, cut in such a way that the edges make different angles. The bevel gauge can be made by welding two plates at the right angle or by cutting a segment from a tube of a rectangular cross-section. All measurable angles are marked in the drawing.

 

Sharpening bevel gauge

This bevel gauge is used for a quick check of a tool' s cutting angle (chisels, plane irons ...) when freehand sharpening. In addition to the tool's cutting angles there are also slots of angles that are often dealt with when working (30o, 45o, 60o, 120o…). Round relief (hole) in the angle slots are used to prevent damage to the cutting edge during the sharpening angle check.

 

Common angles Bevel gauge plan
Common angles Bevel gauge - Drawing
Sharpening bevel gauge plan
Sharpening bevel gauge - Drawing
Download project (high resolution images)

Submitted by Ceh Jan