Marking Gauge - Traditional Woodworking Tool

thingiverse

Here are the instructions rewritten: As someone who enjoys 3D printing and traditional woodworking, I use hand tools such as marking gauges regularly, which is why I thought it would be useful to create a modern model of one using advanced materials. A marking gauge is an ancient tool that has been used for centuries; examples date back to the 1500s. One thing you may wonder about a marking gauge is what exactly it does - and the answer is straightforward: it's used to scribe lines parallel to the edges of boards with ease, making it perfect for creating precise markings. If you're building furniture like a table or cabinet, having identical leg widths can be tricky without a reliable tool; with a marking gauge, however, measuring once allows you to mark multiple times. In addition, I find myself relying on the tool when preparing intricate carvings around board borders by employing this instrument's versatile ability. This specific design takes its cue from traditional markings gauge, including utilizing a captured wedge and pencil wedge, which rely on friction alone to secure the pencils in place instead of an additional cutting element or sharp edge, though you could easily make another component later for use. Here is my method for assembly. I decided to 3D print this using PLA filament, working on it within my home on a Printrbot Metal Plus. First things first: Print off at least one instance of each necessary piece including both types of wedge pencils and adjust as needed. After examining my own prototype prints, I've found standard Yellow #2 pencils pair nicely with larger ones, making precise lines even easier to achieve with them in use. Next step: Gently align the captive wedge so it's seated neatly inside its designated area by lightly sanding down one or both if necessary until it lies flat against its home, thus creating a simple locking system by wedging that allows easy changing without damaging anything and still retains a snug fit afterward allowing full operation. Then position your workpiece - make sure this new item is in proper relationship otherwise will impede the entire procedure so aim straight with all components at ninety degrees apart to avoid jamming altogether, allowing proper space throughout assembly stages thereafter including pencil adjustments following tight placement procedures mentioned earlier; do not tighten pencil too hard because excessive tension could break pencil down during usage eventually.