Bog oak bevel gauge

[MikeG.]

I've put up with a broken bevel gauge for years now, but I have a big need for it coming up soon, and I'm tired of the slight wobbliness. A splinter had broken off one of my bog oak boards, so I thought I would exploit this and make a replacement handle. Here's the original Stanley plastic-handled gauge:

And here is the splinter of bog oak:

I sawed a bit off, then did some planing:

Then some shaping:

Glooped on the first varnish I put my hand on:

And then re-assembled:

 

[pollys13]

Nice.

 

[Nelsun]

You really don't need more tools Those shavings are lovely and dark. Not jealous. At. All.

 

[Lons]

Much nicer than grotty old plastic. =D>

 

[Trevanion]

Much nicer than grotty old plastic. =D>

Isn't it technically still grotty old wood?

 

[Lons]

Much nicer than grotty old plastic. =D>

Isn't it technically still grotty old wood?

Yebbut, I know what I'd choose. :lol:

 

[Steve Maskery]

Much nicer than grotty old plastic. =D>

Isn't it technically still grotty old wood?

Old, yes. Grotty, no!


Nice, Mike.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Mike, are you not concerned about the oak corroding the blade? Or has all the tannin long since leached out?

 

[Racers]

Very nice.

I don’t think you will get any problems with corrosion unless you get it wet.

Pete

 

[MikeG.]

Mike, are you not concerned about the oak corroding the blade? Or has all the tannin long since leached out?

I don't think so, Steve, but as this bit of kit is in use almost every time I go to the workshop, I'll be keeping a watching brief. My impression working with the oak is that is isn't as brittle as ordinary seasoned oak, being slightly soapy in its feel. I assume that the tannins leached into the bog thousands of years ago.

It's just dawned on me that I could try ebonising it with vinegar and steel wool. If that has no effect I am pretty sure that would indicate it is free of tannins. I'll try it this morning.