Modern-Day Plough Gauge?

[spooky]

I like to use them. I think they are easier for bigger widths than a draw gauge. Push is in line with the blade, don't need to hang the leather off the table since you cut on the tabletop, roller to keep the leather down on the blade, etc. I still use a draw gauge too, but much over an inch and I am ploughing. They are a European tool and so most of the popularity is either in those countries, influence from them, or being taught by someone who grew up using one. I normally have a want-list for the Dixons. Mechanically most of the Blanchards work very similar, but at one point this spring I had a waiting list 9 deep for a Dixon - all but one to Australia. Being of English bent, they prefer the Dixons and Lefflers is still listing a new Dixon on their website for around $1200 (One thousand two hundred!).

That's also why us Aussies trawl ebay (as well as Bruce!) for plough gauges amongst other leather tools. I was lucky enough to pick up to plou gauges at Christmas, from ebay for around $180 each. Only wanted one, threw in what I thought was a cheeky bid on the first (from the UK) and would have no hope. Spotted a second, nicer one, so put in another cheeky bid. Second auction finished before the first... and to my surprise, I won it. Waited for the first auction to finish... expecting to be outbid, as here, most plough gauges on ebay sell for between $400-$600++... so you can imagne my surprise when I won it too! Not complaining. Still need to clean them up and get confident with using them... but for that price, it made sense to grab them. guess what I am tryigto say, that ebay/antique prices can sometimes be a very good deal.

[cem]

I picked my plough gauge up for $180 as well a couple of years ago so bargains can definitely be had off of Ebay Australia.