Marking gauge

A marking gauge, also known as a scratch gauge,[1] is used in woodworking and metalworking to mark out lines for cutting or other operations.[2] The purpose of the gauge is to scribe a line parallel to a reference edge or surface. It is used in joinery and sheetmetal operations.

Stanley and Veritas marking gauges

The gauge consists of a beam, a headstock, and a scribing or marking implement, typically a pin, knife, pen or wheel. The headstock slides along the beam, and is locked in place by various means: a locking screw, cam lever, or a wedge. The marking implement is fixed to one end of the beam.

Types

The marking implement is chosen depending upon the operation to be performed. Some marking gauges have the capability to allow a number of implements to be fitted, others do not; and a woodworker will often have a number of different types. A steel pin is used when scribing with the grain. A steel knife is used when scribing across the grain. The pen or pencil is used when the woodworker does not wish the surface to be marred. Generally speaking, the pin and knife yield more accurate marking than do the pen or pencil. It is also used to mark parallel lines to the face side and edge side.

Variations

The style of gauge which uses a knife instead of a pin is often described as a cutting gauge. This tool is sometimes used to slightly "mark" the wood before a cut to prevent tearout later when doing the main cut with for example a circular saw.[3]

Other variations include a panel gauge which has a longer beam and larger headstock for scribing lines that are further from the reference edge. A mortise gauge has two pins that can be adjusted relative to each other at the end of the beam. This gauge is used to scribe two lines simultaneously and is most commonly used to lay out mortise and tenon joinery.

Setting a marking gauge to 15mm
Illustration showing a marking gauge in use
A mortise gauge
A mortise gauge being used
Illustration of a marking gauge in use
A panel gauge, used for marking wide boards and sheet materials.

References

International Textbook Company (1903), International library of technology, vol. 31, International Textbook Company, p. 11.
Tolpin, Jim (2007), Measure Twice, Cut Once (3rd ed.), Popular Woodworking Books, p. 64, ISBN 978-1-55870-809-9.
The Wood Whisperer (2015-10-30), Avoid Tearout With This Simple Trick!, archived from the original on 2021-12-21, retrieved 2019-02-19

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[1] International Textbook Company (1903), International library of technology, vol. 31, International Textbook Company, p. 11.

[2] Tolpin, Jim (2007), Measure Twice, Cut Once (3rd ed.), Popular Woodworking Books, p. 64, ISBN 978-1-55870-809-9.

[3] The Wood Whisperer (2015-10-30), Avoid Tearout With This Simple Trick!, archived from the original on 2021-12-21, retrieved 2019-02-19