marking gauge plans

[mr_skittle]

I recently put our a request for some tools on the Swap and Sell board and the interest has been light. One of the tools I need for a class I'm putting on is marking gauges. There were a couple that were offered but I still need more so I was going to take a shot at making some myself.  There are a lot of ideas floating around on the web but I'd  be remissed if I didn't check in here before I take a shot. I think one of the consummate issues is whether to use some sort of screw or wedges to hold the fence tight. I'm open to both but am not sure what it takes to make threads for something like a thumbscrew.  I also need to consider that these will be used by beginners so ease of use is something to take into account.

[Admiral]

From our own Bibliophile on his blog; also search his posts here as he discusses it.

https://literaryworkshop.wordpress.com/2...ing-gauge/

[Hank Knight]

I don't have plans to offer, but I have a suggestion. Threads cut into close grained wood like maple are surprisingly strong and durable. I've used this construction a number of times for shop applications and I'm always pleased with the result. I'm still using some of these items years after I made them and see no degradation of the threads. Here are some photos from a homemade scratch stock I made.

First drill the proper sized hole.



Next, cut the threads with a standard tap. You can reinforce the threads by applying a little thin cyanoacrylate glue. Let it soak in and cure. I've never found this necessary, but some suggest it's a worthwhile step.



That's all there is to it.






This would be an easy, durable construction for your marking gauges.

[overland]

The marking gauges that Bibliophile makes are terrific. They're pretty simple to make, although there are a few steps--especially the cutting the mortise in the head of the gauge--that you have to take care to get right. The wedge holds really well--and you can set it with one hand. I think Popular Woodworking published plans a few years ago. You might look those up, too. But Bibliophile's instructions are quite good. Probably it would make sense to make a few of them at once rather than successively. The one I made has some flaws but all in all it works great.

[barryvabeach]

I saw a nice write up of intersecting dowels once years ago,  I can't find it now, but this is a similar approach, and should be pretty easy to make  http://woodydiyfurniture.blogspot.com/20...nutes.html    The one I recall was a little different,  I think the arm and the lock were round dowels.  Here is another one  http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-m...crap-wood/

[cputnam]

Check Derek Cohen's blog. He's been making mortise gauges lately.

[Rob Young]

Flat screw in a block of wood. File across the head to sharpen. Not necessarily the greatest gauge but works in a pinch. And can double as a beading scratch stock.

[Alan S]

Popular Woodworking in Dec 2006 #159 had an article by Dean Jansa describing making a marking gauge like one from the Seaton chest.  The article is available here:
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-con..._Gauge.pdf

[Admiral]

I'm thinking of making a panel gauge.  Sometime back, suggestions were made on where to source the best pin stock, I vaguely remember roll pins, or something like that, which were hardened.  Likely a McMaster Carr type of source?  Does anyone recall?  It might have been Timberwolf's suggestion.  Thanks.

[Boatman53]

Admiral use the non working end of a drill bit. That's why I save my broken bits.
Jim