Marking-Gauge Locking Device
M
ANY OF US MAKEmarking gauges and other tools that require a
beam to be locked where it slides through the fence. A wedge
can be used, but a screw is more positive and more accurate. Of
course, screws with wooden threads are nice, but the means for cutting
them are uncommon in the average tool kit. So here is an alternate.
The version shown in the sketch below is a panel gauge with its fence
notched to ride the edges of large panels. This raises the beam above
the surface of the panel, cutting down friction and increasing accuracy.
For the screw, you need nothing more than an ordinary^3 ⁄ 8 -in. bolt
with a square nut. Cut a slot above the beam mortise into which the
square nut will slide and be captured. Also enlarge the mortise to allow
enough clearance for a pressure pad bent up from^1 ⁄ 16 -in.-thick brass.
Bend up the ends of the pressure pad height enough to hide the ends
of the nut slot. To complete the gauge, drill a hole for the bolt down
from the top of the stock into the nut-capturing slot.You may wish to
install a^3 ⁄ 16 -in. rod through the head of the bolt so it can be tightened
without a wrench.
—PERCYW. BLANDFORD,Stratford-upon-Avon, England
MEASURING, MARKING & LAYOUTBrass pressure padCaptured nutNotch