Slotted stainless blade
The long steel edge follows a slope or transfers it to another board. The lengthwise slot permits adjustment around the pivot.
Hand Tools / Layout Tools / Field guide
Sliding T-Bevel
Capture an angle from the work, lock it, and transfer it without guessing at a number.
200 mmBladeAny angleSetting
01 / Tool anatomy
See the assembled tool and its components
An original educational poster identifies 6 documented construction features. The numbered descriptions remain readable below the artwork on narrow screens.
- Stainless blade
Straight 200 mm steel edge transfers the source angle.
- Lengthwise slot
Slides over the retained pivot location as the blade projects or rotates.
- Built-in pivot lock
Visible circular lock secures the blade at the chosen angle. Hidden hardware is not illustrated.
- Molded stock
Straight black reference body seats against the work face.
- Blade receiving channel
Thin channel in the stock accepts the blade beneath the lock.
- Rounded blade end
Smooth outer end of the separate slotted blade.
Technical references: Stanley 46-825 official product · Johnson Level T-bevel technique. The slotted stainless blade is separated from the molded stock to show its physical relation to the built-in pivot lock and blade channel. Hidden lock hardware is not depicted. Original educational artwork depicts documented component groups and their relationships; it is not a service sequence or a replacement for the exact model manual.
02 / Understand the tool
What it is and what each part does
The Stanley 46-825 has a 200 mm stainless-steel blade, a black molded handle and a built-in blade lock. The blade pivots and slides to copy an existing angle. It is an angle-transfer tool, not a calibrated protractor: use a protractor or digital angle gauge when a numeric reading is required. The illustrated model does not have a spirit vial or engraved angle scale; those belong to other bevels.
Loosening the circular pivot lock frees the slotted blade to rotate and shift through its permitted travel. Seat the straight stock against one face and the blade against the other, then tighten while both stay in contact. The construction study separates the blade from the stock to explain its slot and retained built-in lock; it does not portray hidden lock hardware or a service procedure.
Pivot lock
A round metal lock holds the set angle and blade projection. Tighten enough to prevent drift without damaging the joint.
Molded stock
The straight side of the black handle registers on the reference face; its recessed grip helps keep fingers off the marking edge.
Blade tip
The rounded end avoids a sharp corner at the far end of the slot. It is not a marking point or a graduated scale.
01 / Working relationship
How the main groups connect
02 / Working setup
Transfer the angle from the same datum
02 / Working principle
Set, guide and control the action
These decisions make the mechanism useful at the bench.
Choose a sound datum
Clean both mating faces of the source angle and select the face and edge that will also locate the transferred line.
Seat before locking
Let the stock and blade lie flat against their references, then lock the pivot while holding the setting steady.
Transfer without drift
Check the lock on scrap, place the same stock edge against the destination face and mark with a sharp pencil or knife.
Splayed leg layout
Take the angle from a full-size template or mock-up and transfer it to mating rails or shoulders.
Miter fit
Copy an existing corner when the actual built angle differs from a nominal drawing angle.
Machine setup
With equipment isolated as its manual requires, transfer a bevel setting to a saw or fence and verify it on scrap.
03 / At the bench
Setup, technique and finish quality
Use the steps for a first pass, then inspect the work before changing the setup.
- Prepare the reference faces and clear grit from the blade and lock.
- Loosen the lock only enough for smooth movement; extend the blade so both contact surfaces are stable.
- Seat the stock against one face and blade against the other without forcing either into a gap.
- Tighten the lock while the two edges remain seated; recheck the source angle before lifting.
- Register the same stock face at the destination and mark a thin line on the waste side.
- Make a test cut and verify fit before cutting final joinery.
Copy geometry directly
A physical angle often transfers more reliably than rounding a protractor reading, provided both datums are clean.
Projection matters
The blade can slide as well as rotate; choose enough exposed length to reach both faces without the stock rocking.
No hidden scale
This model carries no displayed degree measurement. The poster identifies visible construction only.
What changes by model or material
Wood, molded composite and metal stocks differ in weight, wear and grip; check a particular model's face straightness.
Thumbscrews, levers and circular locks make the same basic angle transfer in different ways.
A protractor reads degrees; a bevel gauge excels at matching and transferring an existing shape.
Choosing the tool
- Look for a straight stock and an undamaged blade that locks without shifting.
- Choose enough blade length for the usual board width and joint size.
- Avoid assuming a model has graduations or a level vial without checking its actual product page.
Useful accessories
- Sharp layout pencil or marking knife
- Reference straightedge
- Full-size angle template
Consumables
- Light corrosion protection for the steel blade
04 / Keep control
Care, troubleshooting and safety
Secure the work, protect sharp edges and release any stored clamping pressure before adjustment or maintenance.
Care checklist
- Wipe moisture and pitch from the steel after use.
- Keep abrasive dust out of the pivot and away from reference edges.
- Store the blade folded within the stock when practical.
- Check lock security and face straightness after a drop.
Common mistakes
- Locking with one edge lifted from the source.
- Flipping the stock against a different face when transferring.
- Treating this ungauged bevel as a degree-reading instrument.
- Overtightening a plastic-stock lock.
Safety at the operation
- Keep fingers clear of the blade edge when sliding or folding it.
- Disconnect or isolate machines before setting an angle near a cutter.
- Protect the tip and stock during storage so a bent blade does not mislead future layout.
When the result goes wrong
Reseat both reference edges, retighten the lock and check for a changed blade projection.
Clean the pivot and slot, inspect the lock for damage and avoid relying on a worn joint.
Check whether the stock or source face is bowed, chipped or covered in dust.
05 / Sources to keep learning
Manuals and educational resources
Use the exact model documentation for setup, limits and replacement parts. These lessons, documents and model pages teach relevant techniques or help compare real variations.
Manufacturer documentation
Learn and compare
06 / Manufacturer directory
Manufacturers & Brands
These maker-owned links document relevant tools and tool brands. A product brand may use another company's factory; compare the exact model before choosing parts or accessories.
Choose parts for the exact model
Handles, irons, saw plates, clamping pads and other replacements vary by maker and model. Use the maker's documentation before changing a component.
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