For precise angled cuts, you might not want to use the angle scales on your table or miter saw. Even if you have calibrated the scale recently, they are going to be less accurate than an external reference gauge or guide.
While there are several angle gauges available, including some modern digital devices, the new Blade Gauge 2.0 one-time tool from Woodpeckers looks like it will be one of the more accurate options available.
Each blade gauge is laser-cut from 16-gauge stainless spring steel, with a satin finish and laser-engraved markings on both sides for easy visibility and identification.
To set the bevel angle on a saw, you pick the gauge with the desired angle, hold it perpendicular to the table, and adjust the blade to meet the gauge. Or to set the miter angle, you hold the gauge flat to the table with the edge against the fence and adjust the blade or miter gauge until the blade gauge completely touches the blade.
Besides the given angle, each blade gauge also has a right angle so you can return the blade to square again for 90° cuts.
Each set also includes a base that allows for hands-free use, so that you can adjust your tool’s blade with both hands. There’s a captive slot on the base that hooks over the rectangular cutout in each gauge, propping them up perfectly vertical, letting you concentrate on setting the blade angle without having to grow a third arm.
Blade Gauge Angles:
- 45°
- 30°
- 22.5°
- 33.85°
- 31.6°
Woodpeckers is going to make the Blade Gauge 2.0 in two different sizes. One size is meant for 10″ blades and the other is meant for 12″ blades. Both sizes are 12″ long, but the 10″ size contacts the blade over 2-7/8″ inches and the 12″ size contacts the blade for a full 4″. The more blade contact you have, the more accurately you can gauge the angle.
Each Blade Gauge is laser-engraved with markings of all the angles, including the complimentary angles, on both sides. The base is milled from solid aluminum and anodized in classic Woodpeckers Red.
Each Blade Gauge 2.0 set includes five angle gauges: 45°, 30°, 22.5°, 33.85°, and 31.6°, and an aluminum base packaged in a custom case. The last two angles are for setting up your miter saw to cut crown molding miters.
The 10″ blade gauge set will run you $110 before shipping and the 12″ set will cost you $140. There’s also the option of buying the deluxe set for $200, which includes all 10 blade gauges (both 10″ and 12″) plus 1 aluminum base all packaged in a custom case.
The deadline to order these blade gauges is Monday, April 25th, 2016. Woodpeckers estimates that they’ll be ready to ship these out sometime in August of 2016.
Price: $110 for 10″ set, $140 for 12″ set, $200 for combination set
Blade Gauges should soon be available via Woodpeckers’ distribution network, with the same shipping ETA.
Here’s Woodpeckers’ promo video if you’re interested in seeing the Blade Gauges in action. The video also gives the squares a better sense of scale.