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(More customer reviews)Many woodworkers have discovered that machinists' tools & methods help them in the wood shop too. These inexpensive but accurate gauge blocks are a case-in-point. Woodworkers use them for setting up or "registration" of repetitive cuts without measuring; using the blocks as "spacers." We use them for setting router depth, dado height, rabbets, jig alignment, finger-joint registration, dovetail-layouts and jig set-up, fence alignment... the list goes on...
Using gauge blocks ( and other machinists tools / methods) allows those of us with aging eyesight to "feel" perfection with our fingers. It also guarantees repeatable accuracy without tedious re-measuring. Gauge-blocks can SAVE you TIME, MONEY and HASSLES. Gauge Blocks improve accuracy and simplify measuring in woodworking.
To really appreciate the versatility of these little beauties you should watch a few videos on the subject. Some are available on you tube. Fine woodworking and other xylophile websites have relevant videos too.
Why should you consider these gauge blocks over others?
1-Whiteside is a PRECISION engineering company that can machine VERY hard metals ( like tungsten carbide) with complex geometry (like fluted bits) to very tight tolerances; so making simple geometric shapes in soft metals (like brass) is a snap for them. I have measured these with Starrett dial indicators on a certified AA surface plate and they are very good; well within the .001 tolerance that fine woodworking joints require. Assuming you use them at normal temperatures and do not abuse them, you can count on their accuracy to within the ten-thousandths range + / - .0003. That's plenty good for working wood!
2- These are fairly priced so you can afford TWO sets. If you do not think you need two sets, fine; but i have discovered that having two of each size dramatically simplifies all the processes mentioned above. You can "register" baseplates and jig components MUCH easier across two equal surfaces. Parallelism and runout are easier to gauge with two of each size.
Also, like ALL machinists tools of this accuracy, they are somewhat sensitive to temperature variations and damage. If you bang on brass it will distort. Likewise if you drop one on a hard floor ( like your cement garage floor) they can be ruined. Therefore, spares are useful.
One other reviewer (Mr. Klein) mentioned that there are no size-markings on these. That's true, but I see no problem with that. Every competent woodworker or machinist can "eyeball" these accurately enough to identify their size, and most of us with any experience can feel the size dependably.
Even if you are a complete novice, you should have no problem measuring them ONCE and then labeling them, either directly on the sides with marker or in the drawer-slots or box where you store them.
Brass is SOFT, so I would advise against etching into them. That would ruin the fine accuracy in at least one axial dimension, and could distort the geometry on two adjacent faces. I know this is nitpicking on a nearly compulsive level. However, EVERY good machinist treats his gauging tools with this level of care. We should follow suit to keep our most accurate tools in top shape. Woodworkers do not have to "wring" their gauge blocks to micro-inch scales, but we do want our tools to maintain maximum accuracy. Care is advisable.
Also, brass is LESS likely to distort than aluminum with temperature variations, although in most woodworking shops, that is seldom an issue.
Mr Klein also mentions the Veritas gauge blocks from Lee Valley. I agree, those are very nice and of similar accuracy. (Most all the Lee Valley / Veritas stuff is very good!) But most woodworkers are looking for more practical tools. These will provide the same accuracy for most situations, and you can get three of these Brass Sets for the price of ONE of the veritas aluminum sets.
The Veritas set (called "set-up" blocks on their site) includes a one-two-three block, which this set does NOT contain. In my experience, woodworkers seldom need the 1-2-3 blocks like machinists do. The Veritas set is a good deal for those who need the 1-2-3 block, feel more comfortable with the size-markings and don't mind aluminum's light-weight or potential thermal distortions.
Another consideration: Because they are inexpensive and soft, it is easy and affordable to modify these for special situations.
Woodworkers often deal with "nominal dimensions" that are not accurate in exact Imperial units. You can increase the size of these ( singly or in combinations) by minute amounts with paper, tape or steel shims. Likewise, you can use your diamond sharpening stones to decrease dimensions. I would feel sick doing that to pretty, rectangular blocks like the Veritas. Once you reduce the thickness of the rectangular blocks, they will not come back to dimension perfectly. But square blocks like these? No problem! You can accurately dimension these down by a few thousandths on one side ( which you will mark and label of course!) but retain the same thickness on the two adjacent faces. If you ever work with "nominal" thicknesses of plywood for casework, that is VERY useful trick to know!
I suppose there are some aesthetic issues too. I prefer the heft of brass over aluminum. Small parts like these seem easier-to-handle and more stable with the added mass of brass. Also, some of us prefer "plain-jane" tools over the fancy stuff.
Certainly, the Veritas set is classy-looking. If that is important to you, check those out.
Brass and aluminum are both non-magnetic and easily machined. Machinists usually need Steel for its hardness, magnetic properties and thermal-consistency, but woodworkers almost never do. If you do some light metal millwork, you should probably consider steel blocks instead. Neither these nor the Veritas are ideal for machinists.
Hopefully that will help you make an informed decision.
Although I did not buy mine from Amazon, I wish I had because this price is slightly better than what I paid locally. Had I "bundled" this purchase with other items, I could have gotten free shipping and saved myself some gas money too.
Whiteside is a trustworthy brand and these tools live up to their reputation. They are very useful, very accurate and fairly priced. You can ignore the sole complaint of nonexistent size-marking for obvious reasons.
Click Here to see more reviews about: 9800 5 PIECE BRASS SET-UP GAUGE BLOCKS X 2-1/2 LONG BLOCKS ARE 1/8" 3/16" 1/4" 3/8" AND 1/2" SQS
WHITESIDE MACHINE 9800 5 PIECE BRASS SET-UP GAUGE BLOCKS X 2-1/2 LONG BLOCKS ARE 1/8" 3/16" 1/4" 3/8" AND 1/2" SQUARES- MAY BE STACKED FOR WIDERRANGE
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