*GIFTED* HONGDUI HD-19 Half Gauge Review

[@BischBaschBosch]

PLEASE NOTE: This item (Hongdui HD-19 Half Gauge) appears not to be available to the USA. This may change in the future but, at time of publishing, it's not available to USA buyers. Sorry folks.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

It’s unlikely as the patent for the design is held by Microjig for the fit finder and the US authorities will be blocking imports.

[@BischBaschBosch]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop Possibly mate. Shame as, let's face it, the MicroJig one looks rubbish🤷‍♂️

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@BischBaschBosch It really does look crap and there are plenty of reviews which call out it's failings. However, Mr Wang (microjig) invented the mechanism, got a patent and has the right to make a crap version for 20 years. And I'm pretty certain that MicroJig are enforcing their rights at the border as they did so with the Grrriper until it's patent expired in 2022.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@BischBaschBosch Oh, and the patent describes a version that divides stock into thirds with a 30 deg / 49.1 degree opposing angle.

[@BischBaschBosch]

​​@@StrawbyteWorkshopI'm surprised they managed to get a patent on the mech to be honest as I'm sure I've seen something similar before, albeit in a different context. Maybe that makes the difference. Like I discussed in the comments of the KM-17 router plane, Hongdui clearly have the manufacturing know how to create unique products (e.g. their mitre gauge) yet, seem happy to make exquisitely made replicas instead. I think a 3rd gauge is unnecessary (see tenon in the vid) but a second mount for the blade equal to the scale would've been a good addition.

[@alasdairmackenzie515]

'Don the monocle...' Excellent! Great review of what looks like another great piece of kit from Hongdui!

[@BischBaschBosch]

Hehe. Cheers mate. Is very nicely made.

[@WoodworkJourney]

Definitely a solid tool to have in the workshop

[@BischBaschBosch]

Solid, definitely. It's one of those you have to think whether it'd actually be useful for your work though. If you do a lit if tenons and laps, it's great 👍

[@DavePawson]

Solid review, tks. I'm surprised you don't have more followers.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Kind of you to say, thank you! I think my lack of views/followers is down to my general (low) video quality and I'm not very good at click-baity thumbnails to draw people in. I'm a furniture maker first though so I'm cool with that.👍

[@dougdavidson175]

Nice review. Thanks. Take care & stay safe.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Cheers Doug👍

[@markpapp8784]

I bought one of these when they came out. It's a thing of beauty, but I've not yet used it in anger!

[@BischBaschBosch]

😂 Tis a beautiful thing to be sure. Already used it for centre marking chair components but, defo one of those tools you need to think how you'd use it before buying.👍

[@philippboetcher9959]

I like the find the center of a piece of wood function...because with a marking gauge it always takes a few marks on the wood to find the centre....

[@BischBaschBosch]

That's it's number 1 function really - marking exact centre. I know what you mean. I have a couple of centre finders. The ones where it has a V shaped body with a piece/rule across the centre. Problem is, although the rule edge is exact centre, your pencil or knife is to one side of it, so slightly off!

[@dougsaunders8109]

Nice to see BG making a return. I was thinking what is a half gauge….. buy two get a whole one 🙈 It looks really good though

[@BischBaschBosch]

Hehe. Nice one.

[@peem1244]

Sounds like something a knife maker would use to determine where to grind each side of the blade. 'Blue' the stock, set the gauge to stock thickness then mark the centre. Thanks for sharing.

[@BischBaschBosch]

True enough bud. I might let a knife making friend have a borrow, see what he thinks.👍

[@woodcraft_cz]

I did a comparison video on this and the microjig variant, we pretty much felt exactly the same on most points 🙏 however the leg shim is a superb idea, I might have to dust mine off now 😅

[@BischBaschBosch]

Ooh...I'll have a look at your review later. Yeah, makes quite a neat leg leveller I think 👍

[@Size15s]

Metal version of the plastic MicroJig FitFinder 1/2 Gauge at the same price it appears

[@BischBaschBosch]

Nice one. I had no idea the MicroJig FitFinder was a thing. I did a search for "half gauge"and nothing similar came up. You're right though. Looks the same thing but the Hongdui is all metal. 👍

[@Size15s]

I recently got the one from MJ and was surprised by how low-fidelity the 'point' is, and hope I can adapt a metal marking tip to it some how... The only advantage so far I see to the MJ over that metal alternative is that in yellow it is easier to see and keep track of. Black anodised tools aren't ideal for me. I mark or spray jigs and tools bright colours to keep them obvious. Should I declutter and keep a clear and organised workshop? Yes. Yes I should. But I haven't yet have I...

[@BischBaschBosch]

​@@Size15s😁👍

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍.Thank you

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you too👍

[@crashkg]

Not avail on website yet, but thanks for the video.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thats odd. It appears as "in stock and ready to ship" on my browser. Have you tried the link in the description?

[@crashkg]

Yes, but I'm in the US perhaps its different.@@BischBaschBosch

[@BischBaschBosch]

@@crashkg An, possibly. That's a shame.

[@kevinwillis6707]

I got one of these, then afterwards wondered why😅 sometimes i can get a bit click happy when shopping on banggood

[@BischBaschBosch]

😂 I can relate. If you regularly do laps and tenons, it's a great tool to have around. If not, it'll end up sat in a drawer!

[@Sebastopolmark]

Product NOT available on Banggood

[@BischBaschBosch]

I assure you it is. Unfortunately, it seems to be one of those items only available in certain countries. No idea why. An9ther commenter in the US said they couldn't find it. It is available to UK. That's all I can say for sure really. Sorry about that.

[@Sebastopolmark]

No worries. Kreg has a similar product but does not have the blade@@BischBaschBosch

[@BischBaschBosch]

​@@SebastopolmarkThe original appears to be MicroJig which can be found in the US. Although it, being plastic, looks inferior.🤷‍♂️