Posted by
Easy WoodCraft on
Feb 18, 2016
A panel gauge is basically a wood marking gauge that's designed to handle big panels. The difference is the beam is much longer (typically 15" to 30") than a standard gauge and the fence is muc h wider. In the past, panel gauges were often made of mahogany with brass wear fittings. The exquisite one shown here (
top photo) is made by Bridge City Tool Works (
www.bridgecitytools.com) and will mark to the center of a 48"-wide work-piece. You can also regularly find antique panel gauges on the Internet at various sites, running anywhere from $20 to $40 for a gauge in good condition.
Two hands
Using a panel gauge is definitely a two-handed operation. After you've loosened the thumbscrew (older versions often use a wedge to lock the beam in position) and adjusted the pin or knife the desired distance from the edge, lock the beam in place. Then press the fence firmly against the edge of the work-piece with one hand while you apply light downward pressure to the pin or knife with your other hand. Move the gauge slowly with steady even pressure.
Cutting disc
Instead of a pin or knife, the Bridge City panel gauge shown here uses a cutting disc. The disc is made of hardened steel and is beveled to help pull the fence into the work-piece as you move the gauge along the edge of the work-piece. This leaves razor-sharp lines with no tear-out, even when your cutting across the grain.
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