iGaging 6" Stainless Steel Sliding Bevel Square

Sliding t-bevels are fairly simple tools. The most important thing is for the sides to be straight and the locking mechanism to be quick and secure -- and this tool succeeds in those regards. The finishing is definitely a bit rough but grab a fine metal file or sandpaper and bevel all the edges. I used a round file on the "slot" of the main body to gently bevel those corners. This took me all of about 5 minutes and I was left with a very nicely machined and highly functional t-bevel.

Either I didn't see the info or I just overlooked it, but this bevel is about six inches long. I was wanting something in the 9-10 inch range but, but, after getting and using it, I found that having a small one aroundhe shop was quite useful. It's small size is both a pro an con. Con because it is just a bit to small to be used on everything, pro because it fits nicely inside my apron and is handy whenever it is needed. The lock screw is very stable which makes this perform above its price point and makes transferring angles easy and reliable.

I have generally been very pleased with the iGaging stuff I have bought at this is no different. Not sure if it is what I would buy if it were something I'd be using constantly, but for hobbyist work these tools are excellent. The bevel gauge locks securely (by far the most important thing) and it well machined. Would buy again for sure.

I had 10 inside/outside baseboard corners in a small bathroom and several were close to vertical trim so large angle gauges would not work. Only a couple were 90 degrees and I wanted to set my miter saw to match each one. A downside of the short arms is they are too short for a 7" speed square. I bought a 4" speed square and the combination worked great. You do have to get used to using a speed square since it measures angles relative to the normal. Luckily miter saws are calibrated off the normal too so it works out well.

I say for $11 this sliding bevel is OK. It is a knockoff of a Starrett model that retails north of $100, which I haven't personally seen but noticed while searching for this. It appears an exact copy down to the locking mechanism.Pros: It is cheap, but well made. The locking mechanism is unobtrusive and locks solidly. The bolt head opposite the thumb screw recesses into the body so the bevel will lay flat on that side for marking or transferring from paper. It is a small handy size for things like dovetails or chisel/plane iron bevels.Cons: It arrives straight off the grinder with edges sharp enough to easily cut you, so knock down the edges with some sandpaper or stone. The lock must be taken completely apart to access the complete length of the blade. The thumb screw is still in the way for some operations. The body is not wide or heavy enough to balance the tool as a guide for drilling operations. Appears to be made of steel rather than stainless, so life in a tool box or truck will be limited. I find it difficult to hold an angle while locking as there is no snug on the lock...it is either on or completely off.If you are looking for a sliding bevel to mark dovetails or transfer angles off plans this will fit the bill for not much money. But, it is far from a full service marking and measuring tool.

A couple of things…It does what it’s supposed to, yet the machining is horrible, and only the blade is stainless. The body is regular steel. I had to regrind the body to get it to fit flat into corners and file a lot of the workings to get it to slide without dragging. A cheap tool is still a cheap tool.

Slim and easily fitted into small spacesAccurate and easily tightened to hold it's markAble to be pocketed in shirt of pants and not get in the wayAnd there is no need for batteries - let's hear it for old schoolBest tool ever

I bought other iGauge products, and when I saw they made this, I jumped on it. I've been impressed with all their products and they are an American company. This was no exception. I love it's small size, great for dovetails (may not be large enough for framing measuring or things of that nature) but it's a great size for dovetail work. Locks firmly, feels quality, love it.