Marking Gauge Upgrade
I've been doing a lot more woodwork in my Pandemic Workshop so I decided I needed a marking gauge. I didn't want to make one from scratch, but I also didn't want to spend a lot of money to purchase such a simple tool. So I decided the appropriate compromise for me was to buy one cheap and upgrade it!
I wanted a marking gauge with a built in ruler to measure my marks, which was also hard to find in the rock-bottom price range, so this is what I decided to make.
Supplies
File Notch in Ruler
The perfect size ruler for this project was a six inch steel ruler, and I just happened to have one I got as a gift from the fine folks at iFixit, which they were giving away at the Maker Faire: NYC a few years ago. [We miss you in NYC Maker Faire! Please come back!]
You can buy one from their great website for US$2 bucks here.
In order to get the ruler to start at zero right where the marking pin is, I needed to file a small notch in the ruler to press it flush against the pin
Cut Outline for Chiseling
I laid the ruler in position on the handle of the marking gauge, and cut an outline with a knife.
Chisel Away, But Not Too Much!
I wrapped the handle in a rag, and clamped in a bench vise to hold in place while chiseling.
Sand Down the Slot
I used a rotary tool with a sanding barrel to sand down the slot a bit. In retrospect, this was probably a mistake, because I actually ended up going a bit outside my marked cut line. Probably would have been better done with a small file.
Glue Ruler in Place
The most important part here was to get the notch in the ruler flush against the marking pin. I filled the slot with super glue gel, and then put a few small plastic clamps on until it dried.
Done!
I'm really happy with my new upgraded marking gauge, and have used it a few projects since I made it with great results!
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