From Mark H Robinson’s Collection – the scratch gauge

Shop Timetestedtool's tool Store ......... And The Etsy Shop

All images and text in this section of my website are used with the permission of, and are © copyright Mark H Robinson, and all rights therein are reserved. Neither the images nor the accompanying text may be used in any form, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. https://www.instagram.com/markhrobinson/

 

This week’s Markup Monday post features that simplest and yet most indispensable tool in the woodshop, the scratch gauge, marking gauge, scribe – it has many names but one consistent function… To make a line on wood that allows it to be cut or planes down to a pre-determined depth.

They come in a wide variety of materials, sizes and construction techniques, but at its heart it always comprises at least one of each of a sharp point or edge, affixed to a bar, with a sliding stop to fix the depth. The simplest wooden models feature a cam lock profile on the bar which allows the sliding stop to be set with a twist, while more sophisticated versions feature a set screw that licks down on a channel in the bar to achieve the same effect.

This one is a steel Stanley No. 90 from the golden age with a type two Sweetheart logo, dating it to 1923-1935. It is in perfect condition, and works like the day it was made. Ten seconds with a twist of sandpaper is all it takes to keep the point sharp. It is a perfect example of a perfect tool!

the scratch gauge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________ As an Amazon associate, we earn income from qualifying purchases when you click on a link. Your link clicks help us fund our website. ________________