A marking gauge scribes a line parallel to an edge, which is the foundation of accurate woodworking joints. This collection holds wheel marking gauges from Narex, a traditional bar gauge, the Hongdui KerfMaker, and MilesCraft and TRACER layout tools for finding centres and copying angles. It suits hand-tool woodworkers, furniture makers and anyone cutting dovetails, mortises or rebates.
Choosing a marking gauge
- Wheel or pin. A wheel cutter slices fibres cleanly across the grain, so the Narex Wheel marking gauge is the pick for dovetail baselines and shoulder lines. Keep the Narex Spare cutting scribe disc, 2pcs on hand for when the wheel dulls.
- Traditional bar gauge. The Marking Gauge Solid Metal Bar Wood Scribe Tool 8" is the classic pattern with a fence that locks on a metal bar. It suits long lines along the grain and rough layout.
- Centre and angle finding. The MilesCraft Center Finder 8458 marks the centre line of a board in one pass. The MilesCraft Angle Finder 8402 and the TRACER ProMitre Angle Tool capture an existing angle for transfer to the saw.
- Repeat grooves. The Hongdui KerfMaker Saw Groove Adjuster Tool JF06 sets a dado or groove width to match the piece that fits into it, with no measuring.
Marking gauge or mortise gauge?
A single-cutter marking gauge scribes one line, which covers baselines, rebates and thickness lines. A mortise gauge has two pins that scribe both sides of a mortise and tenon in one pass. Many woodworkers set two single wheel gauges, one for each cheek, which does the same job and keeps the settings for the next joint. A good wheel gauge is the one to buy first.
Marking gauges are in stock at our Claremont, Cape Town shop, with nationwide courier delivery. Our staff use these gauges daily in the workshop and can advise. See also speed squares and mitre squares.
