Swanson Tool Co TS149 9 inch Sliding T-Bevel with Brass Bound Hardwood Handle and Inches/Metric Marks (22 CM)

Like most DIYers and probably some professionals, we will at some point lose a tool of some description, just one of those things!! Found myself in need of a new Bevel gauge. After checking out a few reviews, I came across the Swanson T-Bevel. So glad I did!!! This is a well made, well thought out bevel gauge. I won't use it extensively, such as a professional would, but if I was to, I feel it would be reliable for a long time to come. It is also a decent weight and size, by this what I mean is, you feel you have a tool that is strong, well made and built to last. The standout feature for me, is the locking nut, which is found on the end of the body, why I say this is because you can concentrate on getting your angle and when you have it just hold the body steady and tighten the nut, no central nut twisting where your hand, as you tighten, obscures your view of the angle you have just set and if you nudge it, you have to start over. This is a great bit of kit and would definitely recommend and if the need should ever arise in the future, I would buy again. You won't be disappointed!!!

I received mine today. The wood looked dried out and was rough. I took some 00 Steel Wool and Johnson's Paste Wax. I first lightly sanded the wood with the steel wool. It was much smoother, actually silky smooth. I then waxed the wood with the paste wax and rubbed it off. The wood then had a much richer color and felt better in the hand. The steel wool did a great job. It didn't take much wood off the handle. You have to be careful you don't ruin the parallel sides which could destroy the accuracy of the tool. Here is a photo of the finished result.

Well designed + made. Generally used as a bench tool. Works as it should. Blade is accurate and metal finish nice. Love the size and ease of setting angle. Tool stands up to abuse well. Tung oiled the wood and took the edge off of brass end . For my own preference. Nice purchase.

This replaces my old Stanley no. 18 which they don't make any more. This also has measurement markings that the no. 18 did not have. Order came quick and this T Bevel is well made. I will note that you may want to lightly sand down one sharp edge that I noticed. Not a big deal. I just lightly ran some 440 on that one sharp edge. Got one for my Son in law also.

Good little tool for marking angles

Just what I needed

As has been noted in other reviews, this T-bevel is not flashy nor does it have a fancy wooden handle. But then again, it is not supposed to be a decorative center piece, as it is a tool to be actually to be used. As such, it works very well. The knob is very large and easy to grip and it holds the angle well and firmly. The level is functional. The handle is a hard plastic, so it can be knocked about if necessary. For a bevel under $10, I don't think yo can beat it. I would stack its functionality up against any of the 30 or 40+ dollar designs.

I purchased this bevel gauge expecting a reliable tool for transferring and measuring angles in my woodworking projects, but unfortunately it falls short in the most critical way possible. The central purpose of any bevel gauge is to lock the blade securely at a set angle so you can accurately transfer that measurement to your workpiece. This tool simply cannot do that. The tightening knob, which is supposed to lock the blade firmly in position, lacks sufficient clamping force no matter how much you tighten it. Even when cranked down as far as it will go, the blade shifts and rotates with minimal pressure. A slight bump against your workpiece, or even just the act of marking a line, causes the angle to drift. You end up constantly rechecking and readjusting, which defeats the entire purpose of owning this tool. For a bevel gauge, holding the blade securely at your chosen angle isn't a bonus feature—it's the only thing it needs to do well. When a tool cannot perform its single essential function, it becomes nothing more than a frustrating waste of time and money. I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere for a bevel gauge that actually locks down properly.