Sanch Report post Posted November 14, 2014 Ok so I have to repost on the HERITAGE DRAW GAUGE because my temper got the best of me! Firstly I would like to say this is supposed to be a made in the USA product! Secondly I have to apologize if I go on a tirade and beat this product to a pulp. After having waited 2 weeks I finally received my "ahem" draw gauge, it looks like a draw gauge, it was advertised as having a SS rule/blade holder NO IT IS NOT it may be a high nickel content metal but SS is not quite so magnetic (yes I realize some SS is slightly magnetic) I also realize that this is a "lower end" tool. BUT what happened to buying MADE IN USA products that were made with pride? quality is GARBAGE on this tool even the C.S. Osborne blade was sent with a rolled edge! the holes for the "thumb/set" screws for both the blade holder and slide holder are not threaded all the way so both set screws "bind" before actually tightening on their appropriate/respective locations! Both shim sets (blade holder and rule holder look as though they were machined by someone using a set of plastic calipers to do the measurements. The "body of the gauge is a whole different travesty bad sand casting and not even the slightest attempt at a "finished" product, you can see the casting lines! and a weak attempt at what looks comparable to being rubbed with a junk file..ok enough im getting off my soap box so now I am faced with either another 2 week turnaround on possibly another GARBAGE tool, or take it to the shop and clean it all up re tap the messed up threads, re surface the castings and put a new edge on the blade . I think I will do the later of the two at least I know I will be satisfied with MY results and not waste anymore time and money...lesson learned Thank you for letting me vent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sanch Report post Posted November 15, 2014 (edited) OK its sorted I just have to put the blade to some hones..... Edited November 15, 2014 by stealfdawg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted November 15, 2014 FWIW, I think the original Heritage tools were/are cast overseas and came with the deal when Weavers bought Mast a few years ago. The friendly phone folks at Weaver may not always be particularly knowledgeable about their products. Several years ago I added a maul to an order. I asked if Barry King made them because they looked just like Barry Kings. She told me they were made by a local Amish craftsman. Yeah, uh uh. Barry King stamped on the top when I got it. Same with the Heritage tools. They told me that the skivers were made in PA too. Finish wise the draw gauges can be a little rough but comparable to current Osbornes in finish or lack of. At least the bars are solid and not hollow back aluminum like the newer Osbornes. Like I wrote in the other thread you will need to work on the Osborne blades, They don't come ready to use, but come with a fourth of the price tag of blades that are. Once you get them right they do hold a pretty good edge. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sanch Report post Posted November 16, 2014 Thank you Mr Johnson I have sorted out my issues to include adding a handle to the now face shaving sharp Osborne blade. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites