Thread: Surface Gauge Questions

Mcheal,

The pins, when extended below the base, allow the base to run parallel along an edge.
Don't know about the cutter, I'll have to have a look at mine.

Bob.

Thanks Bob.That sounds like the answer to question 1.

Originally Posted by localele

Thanks Bob.That sounds like the answer to question 1.

And 2. In normal use on a surface plate. they are retracted.

As far as 3 goes, Starrett refer to the hardened cutter as a scratch gauge.

BT

Micheal
I was beaten to an answer by Bob, he summarised it well.
The 2 push pins are used to guide the gauge along the edge of a machined surface edge, say when setting up a job on a Mill or similiar, so that the workpiece is parallel to the reference edge.
The hardened scriber is used for marking out, in conjunction with a rule for height measurement.
The scriber is quite sensitive to "feel" & can be quick & accurate when checking or setting up jobs.
It was used a lot before the advent & frequent use of Dial Indicators & Micro measuring Height Gauges.
The Surface Gauge is simple & not much to break or go wrong..... long life
regards
Bruce
PS Just noticed the cutter you refer to.
I have never seen one of these before.Perhaps it was a homemade add on for some special job?

Both of these gauges have the hardened cutter but I haven't cleaned the second one up.Maybe tomorrow.Nice souvenir from Cairns.2 gauges for $35 and the guy delivered them to me where I was staying.The first one is a Moore and Wright .

You know, I've also never noticed the cutting wheel on the end either. I checked out mine (it's a later model Moore & Wright 101B) and it too has one, but to be honest I don't think much of it. You can't adjust the tension on it and there is a bit too much play for it to be used in precision marking out.

I can't figure out where it would be used; unless it is used for marking out below the reference surface, eg marking a set distance on support legs below a table top, where the item would be too big and heavy to invert onto a surface plate.

Hmmmmm.......

Are you guys sure that is a cutter and not a fancy do-da to prevent the shaft being pulled out of the clamping bolt (as the end is not in a very visible place?)

Michael

Definitely a cutter but I don't imagine it had to spin in use.A similar cutter is used on Tite-mark woodwork gauges.
I will check it out as I clean up the second one tomorrow and post some more pics.

Originally Posted by Michael G

Are you guys sure that is a cutter and not a fancy do-da to prevent the shaft being pulled out of the clamping bolt (as the end is not in a very visible place?)

Michael

I thought the same thing but that was Starrett's description. M & W don't mention the feature in their catalogues.

I just had a look at my NIB Eclipse gauge. I agree with Michael. It's an anti interruptus device. On the Eclipse it is round in section, simply a spring clip.

BT

Cleaned up the second Gauge and the cutter is in better condition. They may be after-market though as this gauge is unbranded and has a similar cutter to the Moore and Wright.