Reveal gauge.

[Biglou]

Hello to everyone.

After reading through pretty much all of the posts on the plastering forum over the past few weeks, I feel I have learned loads so thanks to all who contribute.

I have just one question though.

I have seen more then once many of the experienced plasterers talking about reveal gauges (the piece of wood with a nail in the end) for getting a 90 degree angle on window reveals.

This may seem like a dim witted question.

But what is the reason for the nail in the end? Couldn't you just use the piece of wood on its own? Im sure there is a very good reason though!

Wouldn't a square have the same effect?

So thanks to everyone.

 

[roy c]

The reason for the nail in the end is so it runs up the frame and keeps the wood straight...and it is usually best to use oval nails not round-heads..Do you get it now? sometimes I cut a notch out of the wood it works in the same way...

 

[roughcaster]

The small nail, or a notch in the end of the window guage acts as a guide, running up the inside edge of the window frame itself, keeping the plaster thickness constant all the way up the reveals, or along the soffit. You wouldn't get it perfect with just the square. The window frame acts as a track for the nail to run along/follow, and the nail stops the window guage digging into the wet plaster. ( Ohh how i wish we had a simple sketch page)

Always take care when using the guage, that you don't cause damage to the window frame itself,,, run it along carefully,,, and clean off any plaster on the frame, right away.

 

[Biglou]

Roy C and Roughcaster thank you very much for your replys.

This means that every guage would be different depending on the size of the window/ the distance to the inside of the frame? (Eg- one guage would not work for every window) (correct me if im wrong)

Thank you both once again.

 

[roughcaster]

You're right Lou, a window guage would not work for every window. It would be adjusted depending on the frame thickness. It's only a matter of moving the position of the oval nail in the end of the wood, to suit. The oval nail by the way, is tapped in only "half way" into the end of the wood, with the other half sticking out. You can also wrap a tiny piece of insulating tape over the oval head to help prevent any damage etc to the PVC or wood, on the frame.

 

[Biglou]

Thank you very much roughcaster.

 

[wozza56]

Or you can use your finger on the end of your trowel

 

[Micilin]

I have an adjustable guage for this , that a mate make up for me from stainless steel, based on this - called a "squangle"

http://www.dry-lining.co.uk/product/Squangle_280_x_190_6640006

but the wood/nail is the job. I would use a panel pin rather than a nail with a head. The pull through bit of a rivet is also good, but I don't know if there is a name for that!


I don't like using my fingers, (I don't like getting my hands dirty) I would hold a scrimming knife/decorators knife against the trowel instead..

 

[Biglou]

All very good advice and ideas.

Thanks to everyone

 

[NickB_99]

All very good advice and ideas.

I improvised when I recently did some reveals slightly differently too.

I'd used the thicker corner beads, as I'd gone back to brick on the reveal and also round on the wall, due to damaged plaster. I also put one of the thicker edge beads against the frame.
After putting the Bonding into the reveal up to the level of the beads, I needed to make some room for the multi to follow later. I used a small piece of wood (approx 2"x1") and cut out some small bits at each end to allow for approx 3mm depth. A sort of very wide 'T' shape!
I then wet it and slid up/down the reveal. It removed just the right amount of plaster and gave a good result ready for multi
I've not tried the tools in the link, but this bit of wood worked ok.

 

[Alastairreid]

All very good advice and ideas.

I improvised when I recently did some reveals slightly differently too.

I'd used the thicker corner beads, as I'd gone back to brick on the reveal and also round on the wall, due to damaged plaster. I also put one of the thicker edge beads against the frame.
After putting the Bonding into the reveal up to the level of the beads, I needed to make some room for the multi to follow later. I used a small piece of wood (approx 2"x1") and cut out some small bits at each end to allow for approx 3mm depth. A sort of very wide 'T' shape!
I then wet it and slid up/down the reveal. It removed just the right amount of plaster and gave a good result ready for multi
I've not tried the tools in the link, but this bit of wood worked ok.

great stuff

 

[Biglou]

Thanks again to everyone

 

[roughcaster]

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