Marking Gauge - Traditional Woodworking Tool

youmagine

In addition to 3D printing, one of my passions is traditional woodworking with hand tools. A marking gauge is a crucial tool in my workshop and having extras never hurts. So, I decided to design it and see how well it would work with modern materials. The marking gauge has been around for centuries; examples have been found dating back to the 1500s. What does it do? A marking gauge typically marks a line parallel to a board's edge. It lets you make repeated markings of the same width on any number of boards. When building a table, all legs need to be the same width, and this tool helps you measure once and mark multiple times. I also use it for marking borders around boards before carving designs. This design takes inspiration from historical examples, using a captive wedge to secure the beam in place and another wedge to hold the pencil steady with friction. I chose a pencil instead of a cutting or scratch gauge featuring a nail or metal blade, which is also common. Maybe I'll add an extra beam for that option later.