Repeating this procedure for different-size workpieces can be
tedious. This gauge, borrowed from boatbuilding sparmakers, will
scratch the lines you need along the length of a square workpiece of
any width (less than its capacity), even if the workpiece tapers.
To make the gauge, first cut a cardboard square equal to the largest
section you expect to deal with. On the square, draw diagonals and
arcs to locate the two scribe points, as shown in the sketch. From a
stout piece of hardwood, make a U-shaped gauge body to fit over the
cardboard square. Drive nails in the gauge at the proper locations and
sharpen. To allow the gauge to be used for smaller work, cut the ears
into a prow shape as shown in the drawing.
To mark the square workpiece, angle the gauge until it bears against
the sides and draw it along. If the wood tapers, the angle of the gauge
will change but the proportions of the spaces across the wood will
remain correct.
—PERCYW. BLANDFORD,Stratford-upon-Avon, England
MEASURING, MARKING & LAYOUT