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Have you ever used a Lu-Ban cutting gauge? Are they any good?

4K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  USCJeff 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey folks,

I received a Woodcraft gift cert. for Christmas and wanted to buy a rosewood cutting gauge. I went to the Woodcraft website and saw that they offered a rosewood double pin marking gauge and a cutting gauge. The photo clearly shows the "Crown" company's logo on the marking gauge. I therefore assumed that the cutting gauge shown next to it was also from Crown. Imagin my surprise and disappointment when I open the delivered package and find a product made in China instead of Sheffield, England as I had expected.

I called the Woodcraft store to see what they could do for me and the very polite and helpful guy on the phone said he actually prefers the Lu-Ban cutting gauge over the Crown cutting gauge. He said the brass inlay is a bit better and the adjustment knob is tighter.

So my question for the group is, have you ever used a Lu-Ban cutting gauge and how does it feel? For that matter, have you even heard of the Chinese woodworking company called Lu-Ban?

I don't know whether to open the package and inspect the guage or send it back for a refund…

Thanks.

SC-Galoot.
 
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#4 ·
Hey Galoot,

Part of me see, "Made in China," and thinks, send it back. You thought you were buying something other than what was delivered. As much as the customer service representative said that they prefer this to the Crown, it makes me wonder if you are not the first to call with the same concern.

Other than that, if you can live with it, who cares. I've never used one, though.

Does it use a pin, or a knife to mark? I prefer the wheel marking gauges as they tend to cut a line rather than tear one.

Cheers!
 
#5 ·
I have the double pin marking gauge, it's works. However, had I realized how simple the gauge actualy was I would have made one. Another side note is I must make a small box for it, I put it in a drawer with my other layout tools and I can not count how many time I have stuck my fingers with that thing. As far as the cutting gauge, I would be comfortable with it. Now when it comes to edge tools it really boils down to the steel and the process used to prepare it, regardless of where the tools are made. I use european style tools, simply because I am comfortable with maintaining a sharp edge.
 
#6 ·
This is a bit late, but I believe I have the Crown gauge. It is rosewood with a double pin set on one side and a single pin on the opposite. The adjustment bars and knob are brass. Paid in or around $20-$30 at Woodzone if memory serves me. No complaints, but then again it is the only gauge I've used. After a year, the pins still easily mark. I can't think of any needed redesigns so I can say that I'm very satisfied.
 
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