For woodworkers and cabinet makers, one of the most important tools in their arsenal is the marking gauge. A marking gauge – or scribe – helps you to mark or scribe lines that are parallel to the edge or end of a piece of wood. In this article, we’ll explore what makes marking gauges so useful and how to use them.
Parts of a Marking Gauge
The marking gauge consists of a beam, a headstock, and a scribing or marking implement, typically a pin, knife, or wheel. The headstock slides along the beam, and is locked in place by various means: a cam wedge, locking screw, or a wedge.
Using a Marking Gauge
When using any type of marking gauge, it’s important to ensure that it is well-maintained and sharpened regularly. To use it properly, start by setting the scribe to your desired depth (usually 1/16th or 1/8th inch). You will also need to adjust the headstock by moving the headstock along the beam so that it is the desired distance that you want to make a parallel line from the edge of the work. If you want a line marked parallel to the edge of a board and two inches from the edge, then set the distance between the scribe and the headstock to two inches.
Once your settings are complete, start by holding the headstock firmly against the edge of the work and running the scribe along your workpiece slowly so as not to cause scratches or gouges. As you go, you can adjust pressure depending on how deep you want your cut line to be (this will depend on your project).