FS Marking Gauge

[Bibliophile 13]

Cherry and pecan marking gauge for sale, made by me. 

$40.00 plus shipping. (Shipping is typically $6-$8 to CONUS, but I'm willing to ship anywhere.) 
 
This marking gauge is made from black cherry, and the fence is faced with spalted pecan.  The bell-shaped profile of the fence gives you a convenient place to rest your index finger and thumb.  The profile also offers a wider bearing surface than most other gauges without making the fence too big to wrap your hand around.

 
 
The arm locks securely with a sliding dowel mechanism, which is operated with one hand.  Press the button on one side firmly and the arm locks; press the other one and it unlocks. (Tap the wedged dowel on the bench for extra locking power; tap the other end to release.)  There is no side-to-side play in the arm.  At first, the arm will require some pressure to slide in and out, but this will become easier with repeated use.



The pin is made from hardened steel and sharpened to a rounded spear-point, so it cuts in either direction.  While a pin-style gauge works best with the grain, this gauge will also mark across the grain if used with light pressure.  As you resharpen the pin, you can tap it down from the top.

Overall dimensions: the arm is 6" long and about 5/8" square.  The fence is 2 1/2" wide, 2 5/16" tall, and 1 1/4" thick.  It's a fairly small gauge as wooden ones go, and it fits nicely in the hand.  Finish is only paste-wax rubbed out to a light sheen. 

More pics: 




 




Full disclosure on the color: the cherry has darkened a little since these pictures were taken several months ago. But after a couple seasonal temperature/humidity changes, the arm is still nice and tight, sliding back and forth in the fence with a little finger pressure.