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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Upper Hutt, New Zealand
    Posts
    215

    Default Small Marking Gauge

    Here's a marking gauge I made from some mahogany scrap (if there is such a thing ).

    I didn't want to spoil it with metal or plastic thumbscrews and I don't have the means to cut wooden threads so I decided on a wedge system to lock the shaft. First job was to cut the mortises for the shaft and wedgeIMG_1713.jpghead blank.jpg
    This was done by hogging out the bulk of the wood with appropriately sized drills and then refining using chisels and small files. The tricky part is to get the correct 'interference' between the wedge and shaft mortises. I also left the bulk of the scrap in place so it was easier to hold in the vice while cutting the mortises.

    Once that was done, I could shape the wedge and work on it until it passed through and locked the shaft.
    Then I thought about the pin I would use as a marker.
    I had a scriber from a broken adjustable square which seemed it would do the trick. It's made from very hard steel and obviously intended to scribe on metal. It had a knurled head with a thread under it which screwed into the body of the original square.IMG_1717.jpg

    It was a simple matter to drill a shallow 4mm dia countersink which allowed the scriber to cut its own thread and secure the pin in place.

    It works well with the grain but tends to tear cross grain so I will shape the tip to a knife style (if I can - it's hard steel) or replace it with something more malleable that can be shaped.

    Lots of sanding through the grits then a quick wipe with linseed oil et voila.

    IMG_1721(1).jpgIMG_1720.jpg

    First time at making a tool

    Cheers,
    Pete

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    6,973

    Default

    Nice work Pete.
    There’s something very special about using a tool one as made them self.

    Cheers Matt

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Bundaberg
    Age
    54
    Posts
    3,402

    Default

    Good effort for a first go!

    All pin type marking gauges produce slight tear out when used across the grain, the key is to use several light strokes. But if the tool making bug has bitten then try making a knife type marking gauge to compliment your pin type!
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Upper Hutt, New Zealand
    Posts
    215

    Default

    Thanks for the likes and comments guys.
    Actually I put you crook saying it was a first tool. I did, of course, make a leather strop posted a week or so ago. Sorry if I've offended the sharpening enthusiasts by not thinking of it as a tool
    Chief Tiff, cheers, for the advice on knife style pins. What I will probably do is make a number of shafts to fit the head stock each with dual pins to suit various chisel widths and one with a knife edge.
    Now that's a versatile tool!
    Cheers,
    Pete

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    blue mountains
    Posts
    4,882

    Default

    Hi,
    Good work on the gauge. The multiple shaft idea will be fine if you only use a gauge now and then but multiple gauges mean you can do a project without having to reset back and forth. Better get crackin and build some more.

    Regards
    John

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Upper Hutt, New Zealand
    Posts
    215

    Default

    Good point, John. Still got some mahogany for the shafts but it will have to be contrasting wood for more head stocks. Still, that might be even better.
    Pete

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    blue mountains
    Posts
    4,882

    Default

    I have found over the years that the collection has grown. Have 6 now and they all get used. 7 if you count the miter square. I do like that old French style one you made as squeezing a wedge is less fiddle than doing up a screw. I made a couple of those a few years back but with a round dowel wedge. Having one that takes a pencil is a handy addition to the collection too.
    This link shows how the round dowel wedge is done.
    https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/...ing-gauge.html
    Regards
    John

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