marking gauge -2

Re: marking gauge -2

CBT

>Wow, looks like something Bridg City Tools would sell. Very nice work.

Curtis

Re: marking gauge -2

Jim Doughty, handcrafter of fine firewood

>That's a VERY nice looking tool. If it needs a home I would be happy to adopt it ;)

Re: marking gauge -2

dave jeske

>Thanks. It has a nice home already! I need to make one for me now! I have a bit more of that walnut so I may just have to use it.

Dave

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Todd from San Jose

>Dave,

This is a great design, not only beautiful but functional. I recently started using japanese marking and mortise gauges because I prefer their wide bearing surface that locates against the workpiece. Yours too has this wide surface for better stability- I wonder why other western tool makers have not done this. Anyhow, very nice work.

Todd

Re: marking gauge -2

William R. Duffield on the Cohansey

>I notice you call it a "prototype." Does that mean you are planning to put something along these lines into production? I think you made a good design choice in moving the knob to below the beam. I find knobs in that position easier to adjust. Your new triangular bar is very ingenious. As you know, a common problem with a square beam is that it can twist in the head, throwing off the setting, and widening the mark, if the mortise is a little too wide. Your thumbwheel for the cutter is also elegant, especially if you are using the same gauge for multiple purposes and need to change the cutterhead. If you will be selling them, should we assume the price will be somewhat higher than the "small marking gauge" currently offered by Blue Spruce Toolworks?

Re: marking gauge -2

William R. Duffield on the Cohansey

>OK, so perhaps I was overly enthusiastic. The photos of your previously released marking gauge do not show very clearly that you had already perfected the wedged beam, and I had to look in an old message I had archived off of BP to find a verbal description of the wedge. It's still about the best design I've seen.

Now I have an issue. In turning the beam over, with the wide side down, you have obscured the tip of the marker from view. For some operations, some people find it convenient to be able to see where the mark begins and ends.

Re: marking gauge -2

dave jeske

>William,

Thank you very much for the feed back. I always find your examinations and critiques very thoughtful and worthwhile. You are correct about the wider portion of the beam obscuring ones view of the marking point. The cutting blade can be extended however I prefer to use the beam to assist in controlling the depth of cut. BTW the radiused beam really shines here. Perhaps I can re-design it slightly by adding (or removing) a turned "feature" near the blade mortise to allow better visability. OTOH most of the vintage marking gauges that I own have marking pins that are equally blocked from view. I will ponder your comments, thank you. As far as a being a p'type... I will carefully say that yes, it is a prototype. One thing I found while making this one is that fine handcrafted tools take some time to make. :) Stay tuned.

dave

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Paul in NJ

>Dave,

That is a wonderful looking marking gauge. You have come up with a innovative design that looks to be a delight to use. I was wondering how you cut the mortice for the blade. It appears that it can't be more than a 1/16" wide. I wanted to lock the blade on the gauge I made in a similar fashion but wound up using a small wedge. I also think your locking mechanism is extremely nice! Keep up the great work, I am looking forward to seeing more of it.

Paul Dzioba

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dave jeske

>Have I shown you my super small pig sticker mortise chisel yet? I do actually have an old london pattern mortise chisel that is 1/16" thick that would work but that is not what I used here. (wow- long sentance!) I used a very small bit in an unmentionable tool.

Dave