Thread: Restoring mortise gauge

The last pic is the closest I can find, but obviously mine is much older...

Thanks for any pointers..

Russ

Hi Russ... I will try to get some images for you tomorrow...that's if someone doesn't get some for you before then. Do you know what brand it is? I have a few different ones.

No brand marks at all that I can see. I think I can remember where I got it, from a family friend who retired in 65, so it's probably a lot older than that.



Russ

Had a look at the ones I have and none of them are the same as yours.. I will take a few shots and put them up tomorrow so you can see a few options... You are not going to pay the mortgage off one it is restored so it probably doesn't matter if you have it right or not...it's just a matter of selecting something that works for your needs.

Yeah I'd just like to return it to original function... Really, just a way of learning to fix things well when it doesn't matter a lot...

Russ

Here are a few image of three different gauges that I have.
Disston 93
Disston_93 Mortice Gauge 1.jpg
Unmarked Gauge similar to a Stanley
Unmarked Mortice Gauge 1.jpg
This one I can't read the makers Mark looks like ????Howard & Sons
Unmarked Mortice Gauge 2.jpg
I think the Disston Mechanism would suit your gauge best ....as far as I can see anyway. I have sketched how this one looks which may help you.
Disston Mortice Gauge Mechanism.jpg
Hope this helps?

It sure does. Indeed, the diston is very close. Is it a threaded rod projecting, with a nut, in which case could you please measure the length of the projecting screw, or is it a screw with fancy head? What is the range of adjustment?

Russ

It is a threaded screw with a fancy head. The threaded rod is 3 1/2" long The Head is 19/32" across.
As you turn the screw it unthreads from the brass rod that goes through the shaft of the gauge.

I reckon the split you mark on the sketch would allow the 'ring' to be opened, slid over the groove on the screw then closed up. Should be achievable with my skill level..

Russ

That's what I was thinking...wasn't sure if that was possible or not

Minor progress..
The threaded rod is indeed a rod, removable, in tolerable condition although not perfect. It is 65mm long, so a little shorter than the disston. Surprisingly, the thread is 4b.a.. I've started on a new nut for it. (actually, I've started 3 times on a new nut...). I guess the gauge might live yet.


Russ