Table of Contents
What is a marking gauge and how does it work?
A marking gauge, also known as a scratch gauge, is used in woodworking and metalworking to mark out lines for cutting or other operations. The purpose of the gauge is to scribe a line parallel to a reference edge or surface. It is used in joinery and sheetmetal operations.
How do marking gauges work?
A marking gauge has three basic parts which allow it to hold a measurement and mark a surface. The pin or scribe is attached to the end of the tool and has a pointed tip to mark the surface. The tool also has a block piece, known as a fence, which sits up against the edge of the material and holds the measurement.
What is the main function of the marking gauge?
A marking gauge is used in woodworking to mark out lines for cutting or other purposes. The main purpose is to scribe a line parallel to a reference edge.
Is a marking gauge wheel supposed to turn?
The cutter is not intended to turn, it’s a marking gauge not a cutting wheel. You rotate the cutter every now and again to get a fresh sharp cutting edge. The brass wheel is used to set depth of intended cut. The small wheel on the end is like a knife, in as much as it marks the board to give you a stop here mark.
Do you need a marking gauge?
Pencils have always been vital to woodworkers, but so are marking gauges for precision results. Marking gauges are indispensable for joinery work such as cutting dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joints.
What are the four parts of a marking gauge?
The basic marking gauge consists of four parts: an 8– to 12″–long beam, a fence, a fence-locking device, and a marking pin, as shown below. The fence slides along the beam to set the required marking distance to the pin. A locking device, such as a thumbscrew or wedge, secures the fence to the beam at the set position.
What does a marking gauge look like?
A marking gauge is the most common type of gauge used for marking. It uses a small pin, sometimes referred to as a spur, to mark the wood when the tool is dragged across it. In its early form, the marking gauge was simply two pieces of wood attached together with a pin through one end for marking.
How do you use a marking gauge step by step?
How to use a marking out gauge
- Step 1 – Prepare workpiece and gauge. Place your workpiece on a flat surface and set your gauge up at the intended end of the workpiece.
- Step 2 – Set fence measurement.
- Step 3 – Mark wood.
- Step 4 – Mark from other end.
- Step 5 – Mark other sides.
What’s the best way to set a marking gauge?
Most commercially-made gauges have a thumbscrew locking mechanism, which holds well but requires two hands to set. If you like making your own tools, a captive-wedge mechanism is easy to make, and it usually requires only one hand to set. This allows you to hold the gauge to a precise setting with one hand and lock it with the other.
Do you sharpen the spur of a marking gauge?
Roll the marking gage so the spur just touches the surface for a light gauge line. The spur of a marking gauge may be sharpened to a conical point or to a knife edge. The spur should be sharp to do good work. If sharpening is necessary, loosen the set screw, remove the spur, and file or grid.
Can a marking gauge be used to repeat a line?
Marking gage are excellent for repeating dimension lines. You can repeat marking as often as you wish. Roll the marking gage so the spur just touches the surface for a light gauge line. The spur of a marking gauge may be sharpened to a conical point or to a knife edge.
Can a marking gauge be pushed or pulled?
Most marking gauges can be either pushed or pulled, and each woodworker will likely have a personal preference for one over the other. An exception is the cutting gauge, in which the orientation of the knife blade allows the gauge to be used in only one direction.