Posted by
Easy WoodCraft on
Feb 8, 2016
Marking gauges are extremely useful for marking lines parallel to an edge with great accuracy, such as when you're laying out joints to be cut. A marking gauge basically consists of four parts: a beam, a fence (or stock), a thumbscrew, and a marking pin. The beam and fence may be made of wood or metal. Wood marking gauges are more common and may or may not have brass strips inlaid to reduce wear. Some beams have scales, but these are best used only to set the fence to an approximate distance.
Basic use
To use a marking gauge, loosen the thumbscrew and slide the fence the desired distance from the pin. Tighten the thumbscrew and make a test mark; readjust as necessary. Place the fence of the gauge up against the edge of the work-piece and angle it so the pin tilts away from the direction you'll move the square. Although most woodworkers feel they have better control pushing the gauge, there's no reason not to pull it if this feels better to you.
Steady, even pressure
A marking gauge will accurately scribe parallel lines as long as you use steady, even pressure to hold the fence firmly against the edge of the work-piece. If you don't, the pin can and will wander. Pressing firmly will also keep the beam parallel to the surface, which will prevent the pin from scribing at an angle.
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