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Improved Marking Gauge Point

H

ERE’S A MARKING GAUGEpoint that has several advantages: It
leaves a knife-clean line, and its depth and angle to the marking
gauge fence are easily adjusted.
Start with a 1-in.-long,^1 ⁄ 8 -in.-dia. roll pin, available at your local
hardware or auto-parts store. The spring-steel pins, made to fit tightly
in a hole, will really hold an edge. Grind or file away one end of the
pin, leaving a knife-like nib as shown. Orient the nib opposite the slot
in the roll pin. If grinding, dip the pin in water frequently to keep it
from losing its temper, before you hone the nib on a whetstone. Install
the pin in a properly sized hole through the marking gauge arm.
Using a wooden block, press the pin in a short amount. Then, with
pliers, angle the nib slightly so that it will pull the work into the fence
when used. Press the pin in until only^1 ⁄ 8 in. of the blade is exposed.
When properly honed and installed, the new pin in your gauge will
mark a clean line across the grain, even on open-pored wood like red
oak, without splintering or tearing.
—RICHHAENDEL,Iowa City, Iowa

CHAPTER SIX

Roll pin,

1 in. long by 1

⁄ 8 in. dia.

Sharpen end

to knife point.