Blanchard Of Paris Plough Gauge: Advice Needed

[Medi1979]

Hi all,

I've been in the background reading up on this site for the last few months, so please allow me to say a big thanks to you all for the great tips and advice that's freely available here.

I'd appreciate some advice from those of you who know a little about plough guages. I've recently purchased an old 'Blanchard of Paris' plough gauge on eBay (pictured below with blank blade). This was basically an 'upgrade' from a strap cutter and my first gauge. The seller noted on the listing that there was a replacement blade rather than the original. When I received the item, I realized that the blade was totally wrong for the guide. Basically, it was an entirely plain blade which had been wedged between the screw fitting which was very insecurely attached.

I sent the item back to the seller who told me that he could probably source a better blade. Yesterday he sent me some pictures of the new blade (attached below with the slotted blade). From the look of it, I'm pretty sure this blade won't be suitable either.

So, having almost zero knowledge of plough gauges, I'd appreciate any advice before I give up the ghost and request a refund from the seller. My questions are: Has anyone come across this particular style of Blanchard gauge? Is it a 'standard' fitting blade? Any suggestions for a fix?

Any help would be appreciated. Cheers.

Edited July 26, 2014 by Medi1979

[bruce johnson]

He is trying to use a Dixon type blade with one slot in a Blanchard which likely uses a 2 slot blade. Most of the Blanchard frames I get have a screw on the back edge of the blade slot that catches the rear slot on the blade. The front slot catches a little nib further forward in the slot.

Interesting plough gauge. Besides being very pretty, it looks to only be marked in inches. Most I get are marked in centimeters with the occasional one dual marked in cm and inches. If you run into a snag and just can't get a Blanchard blade, I have a drawer of them here.

[Medi1979]

He is trying to use a Dixon type blade with one slot in a Blanchard which likely uses a 2 slot blade. Most of the Blanchard frames I get have a screw on the back edge of the blade slot that catches the rear slot on the blade. The front slot catches a little nib further forward in the slot.

Interesting plough gauge. Besides being very pretty, it looks to only be marked in inches. Most I get are marked in centimeters with the occasional one dual marked in cm and inches. If you run into a snag and just can't get a Blanchard blade, I have a drawer of them here.

Hi Bruce, thanks for the response. A double slot blade makes sense! I'll send you a pm about those blades. Cheers.

[Macca]

I'd be getting a refund on that one.

The blade is wrong (which you now know)

The scale has been chopped off at some point (should be 6 inch minimum with the Blanchard logo on the end), you can see it had been chopped off after 4 and a bit inches

Finally, the sliding guide rail is a replacement, not a Blanchard either.

I've got a load of French plough gauges & none of them look like that.

If you don't mind me asking, how much was it ?

[Medi1979]

I'd be getting a refund on that one.

The blade is wrong (which you now know)

The scale has been chopped off at some point (should be 6 inch minimum with the Blanchard logo on the end), you can see it had been chopped off after 4 and a bit inches

Finally, the sliding guide rail is a replacement, not a Blanchard either.

I've got a load of French plough gauges & none of them look like that.

If you don't mind me asking, how much was it ?

Huh, that doesn't sound good :/

I paid £155 as a winning bid on eBay.

[Sona]

So well, I just made some pictures for comparison, so you could see some differences.
Actually it is old, and it looks like it´s old ^^.

Here you can see what Macca says about the length, about the marks (exspecially on the scale and the blade!) and the sliding guide rail... (even though, the one you got is much more on the "bling-bling" side of life than mine *laugh*)

The funny thing about mine is, that I bought, but never used it, because I don´t have enough room to lay out the hides completely.....;(

Edited July 26, 2014 by Sona

[Studio-N]

I've got a Dixon and love it. thanks for the education on the Blanchard.

[Macca]

Heres a pic of some I bought a while back. Ignore top left & centre top in this picture, the rest are blanchard or mayer flamery (same pattern as the blanchards, interchangeable parts) you can see the variety they did over the years.

pic below shows what the blade should look like, as Bruce mentions, they have 2 slots

[Hi Im Joe]

Heres a pic of some I bought a while back. Ignore top left & centre top in this picture, the rest are blanchard or mayer flamery (same pattern as the blanchards, interchangeable parts) you can see the variety they did over the years.

pic below shows what the blade should look like, as Bruce mentions, they have 2 slots

Jesus man. You have so many nice tools. I am green with envy. Feel free to send me any "extras" you don't "need" anymore! LOL.

[Macca]

Jesus man. You have so many nice tools. I am green with envy. Feel free to send me any "extras" you don't "need" anymore! LOL.

haha !

Once I get my new house sorted I'll see whats available

Better not show you my splitter collection