First Plough Gauge Blade

[Knipper]

Thanks to Bruce Johnson, I had the opportunity to make him a replacement plough gauge blade. He sent me one of the Dixon units and also the French one. I'd never seen or used one before, so this was a welcome introduction to yet another leather cutting tool.

I used CPM154CM steel, and heat treated it to a Rockwell hardness of around 60. After resharpening one of the old Dixon blades and cutting with it, I tried the one I made and I think it may cut better, but someone with more experience using them than I will have to render that opinion.

This first one went slowly, as I didn't have the correct thickness of stock on hand, so I had to surface grind a thicker piece to the right dimension (3/32"). Milling the mounting slot took a while too. I have a mill, but I'm definitely NOT a machinist. All in all, I think it turned out pretty good. Can't wait to hear Bruce's opinion! If there is room for improvement, he'll let me know, and the next one will be better.

Knipper

Edited March 2, 2012 by Knipper

[pabloz]

SSSWWWEEEEEETTTT!!!!!!

[gtwister09]

Looks nice. Ha-ha - I'm sure Bruce will speak up for sure. I'm sure it will be a nice addition to used plough gauges.

Regards,

Ben

P.S. Ditto to Pauls' statement.

[bruce johnson]

That is some kind of pretty now. Talk to you tomorrow!

That will really class up the joint. The only problem I am going to have is deciding which gauge gets the new blade.

[Knipper]

Thanks, Bruce... I can't wait to get a "cutting" report on the blade's performance!

Terry

That is some kind of pretty now. Talk to you tomorrow!

That will really class up the joint. The only problem I am going to have is deciding which gauge gets the new blade.

[spooky]

Nice to know that there are people who are able to still make replacement blades for these wonderful old tools.

[hidepounder]

Really nice Terry!

[cgleather]

Nice work as always Terry.

[Bluesman]

Terry,

I'm a retired toolmaker and will say, that is wonderful. Your attention to detail is second to none. Now, if it cuts that's even better. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Trox]

Hi Knipper,

What a beautiful blade you made!

Great job. I was looking for a new blade for my Dixon plouge gauge when I saw this. Dixon sells new blades on their web shop, but I rather buy one from you. Do you want to make more blades? Your blade is very beautiful, but would you consider using some brass in it. I kind of love the old toolmakers use of brass, brass also go nicely with the plouge gauge; it is a retro tool. The brass adds some warm color to the cold steel. Your handle construction is an improvement over the Dixon’s. Please send me a PM with a quote if you will make more blades. If I can afford it, I buy it.

Thanks:You_Rock_Emoticon:

Trox

Thanks to Bruce Johnson, I had the opportunity to make him a replacement plough gauge blade. He sent me one of the Dixon units and also the French one. I'd never seen or used one before, so this was a welcome introduction to yet another leather cutting tool.

I used CPM154CM steel, and heat treated it to a Rockwell hardness of around 60. After resharpening one of the old Dixon blades and cutting with it, I tried the one I made and I think it may cut better, but someone with more experience using them than I will have to render that opinion.

This first one went slowly, as I didn't have the correct thickness of stock on hand, so I had to surface grind a thicker piece to the right dimension (3/32"). Milling the mounting slot took a while too. I have a mill, but I'm definitely NOT a machinist. All in all, I think it turned out pretty good. Can't wait to hear Bruce's opinion! If there is room for improvement, he'll let me know, and the next one will be better.

Knipper