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The Adjustable Bevel Square
For any do-it-yourselfer, or for that matter any professional,
who has attempted to install crown molding, the adage of "measure
twice and cut once" will have a familiar ring. Few people
get the corner cuts right the first time. The combination of
holding a long piece of molding, standing on a ladder or scaffold,
visualizing the reverse side and appropriate angle of cut and
coming down to make the cut by hand or by power usually translates
into a bit of confusion as to what the original measurement
was. There is no magic formula to prevent mistakes when doing
this type of work, and for some the tube of paintable latex
caulk is the acceptable solution to what can be a very frustrating
problem. For over 150 years, inventors have sought to make the
job easier with gauges and tools such as the one shown here.
W.T. Fisher of Lenoir, Tennessee, sought with patent #79,062
dated June 23, 1868, to improve the versatility of bevel-type
handheld marking devices. He claimed that his improved instrument
could function as a bevel square, a right-angle square, a plumb
and a level. The addition of the protractor scale meant the
instrument could also be used as an inclinometer, as outlined
in detail in the patent. By releasing the two thumbscrews, one
could rotate the protractor section, allowing for more extensive
readings. The tool has three basic components, each fashioned
from a different material. The body stock is rosewood, the blade
is steel and the protractor mechanism and top section are brass,
as are the bottom tips on the main wooden body. This combination
makes for an attractive tool. |
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