Marking gauges are useful layout tools, and there’s plenty available on the market. However, if you need a marking gauge on the fly, or if you’re looking for an easy, shop-made option, there’s a simple way to make a rudimentary marking gauge in no time.
The gauge I made begins with a dowel rod. In this case, I went with one inch diameter, but any size larger than 3⁄4" should work. First, mark out the centerpoint on the dowel. With a piece half the dowel’s thickness, I strike a line across the end, turn the dowel, strike another line, and repeat until I’ve created an asterisk on the end.
I then use an awl to make a divot in the centerpoint and drill out a pilot hole. A screw acts as the cutter, and I chose a pan-head screw for its broad, thin head. In my opinion, #8-32 is the best kind of thread to use for this screw as well. While the gauge doesn’t matter much, a 32-thread screw will move 1⁄32" with each full rotation, making it easier to dial in exactly. Once you’ve chosen your screw, drive it in to complete the gauge. -Roger Akron Bardstown, Kentucky
