Thread: Veritas marking gauge problem

There are different strengths of thread-lock ... ?

As Paul sez, use a 'regular'-strength Loctite or whatever brand you prefer. Loctite isn't meant to be forever, & should release without excessive force. A bit of heat will encourage it to give if it wants to be stubborn. I would try a dab of PVA glue - doesn't form a terribly strong metal to metal bond, but works (like the nylon ring on 'self-locking' nuts?) & prevents loosening. I've used it a few times when there was no Loctite to hand, or I didn't want an overly-strong bond. It's quite easy to undo when necessary, but if it were stubborn, it takes very little heat to soften PVA....
Cheers,

The one you want is Loctite 242 Blue - its more of a thread retainer than a locker, and is intended to allow parts to be disassembled if required.

Get the smallest tube you can - a little goes a long way !

I had the exact same problem Yesterday . The whole damn top took off as i ran it down a long board. I got a big wobbly scar where I didn't want one and had to fish through a pile of shavings to find the wheel and screw.

I don't mind the Veritas marking gauge but I don't love it. I'd really like to make a full compliment... I just need IanW to get back to his shed so I can pester him for some tips (heavy enough elbow nudge?)

Originally Posted by Berlin

... I just need IanW to get back to his shed so I can pester him for some tips (heavy enough elbow nudge?)

Hint received, Matt.

It's still a couple of weeks away, unfortunately - the withdrawal symptoms are not as bad as they might be because I've been pretty busy, but it's been very frustrating at times, having nothing but a pocket-knife & a couple of screwdrivers with me! I do need one of those 'desert island' tool kits after all.

Cheers,

Spend your time collecting timber.

Originally Posted by pmcgee

Spend your time collecting timber.

There's a nice Acacia pendula down the street from where I'm staying - do you think anyone would notice if I sawed a few big branches off?

Cheers,

Originally Posted by IanW

There's a nice Acacia pendula down the street from where I'm staying - do you think anyone would notice if I sawed a few big branches off?

Cheers,

Tie a ribbon around it - or mark a pink spray-painted 'X' on it - then when you go cut it down in three or four days, no-one will think anything of it.
Paul

Is this it? Myall - Department of Primary Industries
"Excellent for fine joinery" apparently.

Originally Posted by pmcgee

....Is this it? Myall - Department of Primary Industries
"Excellent for fine joinery" apparently.

Dat's de one, man.... I'm not sure the ribbon trick would work, Paul - it's in someone's front yard, and is one of the finest specimens I've seen round these parts, so I think I'd better resist temptation.

Sorry about the thread hijack, Bob. These blokes will rabbit on, you'd think the moderator would step in & stop it!
Cheers,

Edit: Strangely enough, it sort of is on topic. One of the reasons I've been eyeing off these trees is because I have a chunk of fiddleback Myall at home, just enough for two nice marking-gauge stocks. All I need is a couple of shafts, about 18 x 18 x 200mm....

Originally Posted by IanW

Dat's de one, man.... I'm not sure the ribbon trick would work, Paul - it's in someone's front yard, and is one of the finest specimens I've seen round these parts, ... All I need is a couple of shafts, about 18 x 18 x 200mm....

OK. Only thing left is to knock on the front door, introduce yourself as a nationally famous toolmaker, and ask them if they wouldn't miss a limb or two. From the tree that is. (No tax department here)
Paul

Ian, speaking of Acacia spp. I've been offered a few big black wattle trunks, wiki tells me they are prone to splitting, but I thought I might be able to get some bits at least big enough for a nice matchy set of gauges... Do you know if the timber's any good?

Back on topic, Bob, I'm sure you've found this too but the only thing I've found to do about it is always push/pull the gauge in the direction that wants to tighten the screw. Not always handy though

Originally Posted by Berlin

... Do you know if the timber's any good?..

Matt - we should move to a new thread - we have thoroughly hijacked this one.... I suppose the OP got his question answered.

There are several species of "Black wattle" around Brissy, but AFAIK, there is little difference in wood - as much or more variation from tree to tree as there is between species. It can be extremely nice stuff, with that fine golden chattoyance that Acacias (like Blackwood) can have, while other bits I've used were just brown blah. It can also be all over the shop grain-wise, especially when it comes from small, twisted trees, which are probably the ones most inclined to turn themselves into match sticks while drying, as some do. But it's always worth giving it a try - you may strike gold, though if it wasn't opened up soon after felling, you may have too many deep splits to get bits big enough for marking gauge stocks. If all else fails, dry wattle makes excellent firewood.....

Cheers,

Ian funnily enough I have been working through a pile of black wattle. I accidentally ordered 3 times what I needed for a project from a timber supplier.

This has led to me using up bits in further projects.

A few unusual things about it:

1. It goes green when it oxidises.

2. Certain lengths seem to machine okay but are just punky monsters for any type of hand work. Split apart like kwila/merbau while heavily interlocked. Like trying to work bamboo.

3. Even amongst boards from the same tree there seems to be huge variations in grain from darker coloured areas that feel with hand tools like a totally different wood.

Having said that, find a nice, straight-grained piece and it's looooovely stuff. I like the stuff while also feeling it's a temperamental beast.

Originally Posted by IanW

Matt - we should move to a new thread - we have thoroughly hijacked this one.... I suppose the OP got his question answered.

There are several species of "Black wattle" around Brissy, but AFAIK, there is little difference in wood - as much or more variation from tree to tree as there is between species. It can be extremely nice stuff, with that fine golden chattoyance that Acacias (like Blackwood) can have, while other bits I've used were just brown blah. It can also be all over the shop grain-wise, especially when it comes from small, twisted trees, which are probably the ones most inclined to turn themselves into match sticks while drying, as some do. But it's always worth giving it a try - you may strike gold, though if it wasn't opened up soon after felling, you may have too many deep splits to get bits big enough for marking gauge stocks. If all else fails, dry wattle makes excellent firewood.....

Cheers,