Best Depth-Gauges: A Staple For Woodworking Enthusiasts
Whether you're a professional woodworker or amateur hobbyist, you're probably well aware of the importance of accurate measurements. Construction workers and architects tend to use these tools in their daily routine work. The best depth-gauges in 2021 will come in handy when you want to be sure your project measurements are exact.
Since there are so many options available, people tend to make the wrong decisions and buy poorly built depth gauges, which not only break quickly but also tend to give poor readings, hence creating inaccurate experimental results and inaccuracies in construction. To eliminate all such confusion, we have come up with a list of the best depth gauges, along with their distinctive features so that you can get an idea about which caliper to buy when you are looking for one.
Best Depth-Gauges Buying Guide
Now that we have gone through all the various products, it is time to give you an in-depth view of what things and key features you should keep in mind while deciding which product out of these (or any other of your liking) to buy. As we go through this guide, we will point out some relevant queries and address them, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.
Features to look for in the best in-depth gauges
If you are heading to the market to buy depth gauges, look for the following features to be sure that you are choosing the right product.
Durability
One important thing you should always keep in mind is that if the gauge you are looking to buy is going to be used frequently where you work or study, then it needs to be durable and long-lasting. If the markings fade away in a short time then it wouldn’t be of any use to you, would it? For that reason, you might have noticed that all the products we pointed to have permanent and long-lasting markings on them as well as their bodies being made out of stainless steel or aluminum.
Accurate readings
It does not require a highly intelligent person to figure that these instruments need to be highly accurate and precise to prove helpful in their purpose. There is no use of an inaccurately labeled or marked gauge caliper.
Light in weight and easy to handle
Heavy calipers and gauges tend to only make taking measurements more difficult than they already are. Hence, it is essential to choose a product that is light in weight and not too big in size. This allows easy handling and helps the person taking the readings do so smoothly.
What are some key considerations for buying the best depth gauges?
Precision
An important thing to keep in mind while buying these kinds of products is that you need to be aware of the precision of the apparatus is. It would be really unfortunate if you chose an apparatus and it turned out to be useless to you just because its precision doesn’t match your needs.
Material
As you will be investing a lot of money in depth gauges to carry out the woodworking tasks smoothly, you should invest in a product that is durable. Check out the construction material and be sure that it matches your needs. If you are a professional woodworker, you might need to get your hands on a sturdy gauge that will not break after a few uses.
Pricing
Pricing is one of the most key considerations in the scenario, and meeting your budget as well as buying a reasonably efficient depth gauge can be a tricky task, especially when it concerns online buying and delivering. Therefore, keeping an eye on the price of every product you lookup is also essential, and you should avoid getting carried away and spend too much on an instrument or apparatus you might not use later.
How have we chosen the products we presented to you?
Our process for choosing the products we display in our list is very simple yet efficient. We specify which features the product needs to have to be of use to the consumer. Then we go through all the available options in the market and decide which ones seem fit and sync with all the features we thought of.
After this thought process, the different options are once again analyzed and finally, a list is created, including all the features of every product. We make sure that the users can be given a very good idea of which product will suit their needs.
Brand reputation
Before referring a product to you, we analyze the brand’s overall reputation. Our researchers observe whether the manufacturer is reliable and whether the depth-gauges are made with high-quality material or not.
Customer reviews
We don’t believe the claims of the manufacturer blindly. Instead, we prefer searching for reviews from genuine users who have already used the product. No one can tell about the benefits and drawbacks of something better than the person who has actually used it. That’s why we look for customer reviews and ratings from different platforms before getting a product onto our list.
What is the price range for the best depth gauges?
Depth-gauges, like any other product, come in different price ranges to accommodate different users. They can be expensive, mid-range, or cheap.
Expensive
These calipers and gauges have the best features, are usually the most durable, and tend to last the longest. These are usually from high-end brands. Thus, you should expect to pay $1,000 to $1,200 for a sturdy and accurate depth gauge.
Mid-range
These are the most ideal ones both budget-wise and feature-wise. Those who want to get quality at an affordable price can get a lot of options in this range. Depth gauges in this price range may vary from $700 to $1000.
Cheap
You can find these products at very low prices, but they won’t last long and are likely to break down very quickly, that is if they work in the first place. You can even find depth gauges for $100 but those are not worth your hard-earned money at all. You should consider spending at least $400 to $699 for an affordable yet somewhat reliable gauge.
Best Depth-Gauge of 2021 Reviewed in Detail
Goscien Digital Caliper With Extra Large LCD Screen
– Best Overall
Are you too looking for a digitally functioning caliper because you are either too tired of the old-fashioned manual ones or have the fear of making errors while taking measurements from a manual one? Worry not, the Digital Caliper, ranging from 0 to 150 mm, is made for people just like you. Made up of stainless steel, this little bad boy gives you very clear and precise readings on its large LCD display screen without creating any unnecessary fuss.
- Anti-corrosion and rust-proof hence lasts for long periods
- Automatic shutting down property helps in saving battery
- Easy sliding, accurate positioning, and fine adjustment provided by the thumb rolling and lock screw
- Inaccurate readings at certain intervals
GemRed Digital Depth Gauge
– Runner Up
Having magnetic feet to help it stand on its own on a table without any support, the GemRed Digital Depth Gauge is probably nothing less than a dream for a woodworker. It helps in measuring both horizontal and vertical axes at the same time. It has a 60 mm wide aperture and a precision of 0.1 mm, with a digital display for easy measurements. Although its measuring range is a little less than the previous digital caliper, the GemRed is nothing less of a diamond when seen by the right eyes.
- The magnetic feet make it easier to take readings
- Its power life of 1500 hours make it extremely durable
- The clear display on top helps the reader take off readings easily
- Battery issues are frequently reported
iGaging AccuMarking Digital Wheel Marking Gauge
– Honorable Mention
Are you a fan of the traditional calipers yet still want a hybrid form? If you are looking for a depth-gauge where you can enjoy taking readings the old-fashioned way and at the same time get a digital reading to ensure that you do not make any errors, this is the perfect choice for you. With a measuring range of 0 to 6 inches and a super high precision hardened alloy marking wheel, the iGaging AccuMarking Digital Wheel is exactly what you are looking for.
- Humidity and Dust resistant
- Displays readings in multiple different units
- Extremely accurate and easy to use
- Spare battery available in case the first one burns out
- The locking knob can be made of better material.
Step Depth Gauge for Router and Table Saw
– Contender
Moving away from calipers, we move on to step depth gauges. This aluminum ultimate clarity depth gauge is bound to help you make very accurate measurements for routers and table saws. Its precise and accurate markings (starting from ⅛) lasered onto the aluminum ensure its durability.
- Laser markings don’t fade away quickly, hence enhancing its durability
- Helps accurately setting up blade height on table saws and router bits depth
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Storing it requires some extra space
TOFL Router Depth Gauge Tool
– Also Consider
Introducing another depth gauge tool, the TOFL is also an exceptional tool for the same purpose of measurements for routers and table saws. Coming with great accuracy and precision, the TOFL is made up of aluminum as well, with laser markings showing all the readings. The all-in-one depth gauge measures ⅛” through 1” in increments of 1/16”. This product also comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can blindly trust it and expect to be satisfied.
- Markings are easy to read and very clear
- High precision gives accurate and exact readings
- Lasered marks tend to not fade any time soon
- Depth measurements are not that much accurate
Line 10 Step Depth Gauge for Router and Table Saw
– Also Consider
This tool allows you to set up the table saw and the router depth saving your time and mess of using different tools. It is ideal for setting up blade heights on table saws and router bits depth. Made with the fine metal of Aluminium and laser engraved markings, it makes your work life trouble-free with long-lasting durability and ultimate clarity. It comes with the range for Table Saws from 1/8” up to 2” in increments of 1/8” and the range for Router from 1/8” up to 1” in increments of 1/16” so it is a must for every woodworking shop.
- It is easy to read because the marks are etched and marked in black.
- The Accuracy and Precision of this tool are great and would be super handy in taking measurements and making adjustments.
- Easy to use and handy because of its exceptional design.
- There is a design flaw that limits its use as a depth gauge for table saw
Powertech Safety Push Block, Pack of 2
– Also Consider
Safety Push Blocks are designed to be one of your essential safety devices to help provide protection and prevent your fingers from getting too close to cutters or blades on a router table, band saw, sharper, or jointer. It does come with the facility of the pack of the two but you can use it one at a time like when feeding stock through your router table with a fence or you can also use 2 at a time for extra downward pressure like when you would feedstock through on a jointer.
They are perfect for use on band saws for resawing applications and also work well on sharpers much in the same way they are used for routers. It is made of thick, injection-molded polyethylene plastic which makes it ideal for workshops and wood-working environments where things need to go through heavy wear and tear on a daily basis.
- Versatility in the form of thick foam pad and robust handle that is angled to provide you with extra leverage when applying pressure
- Value for money as it comes with the pack of two
- It is very easy to use and can be used individually or two at a time
- It is made of low-quality foam and limits its use.
Depth-Gauge FAQ
A: Although it varies from product to product, most of the digital calipers tend to turn off automatically when not in use for a certain period.
A: If you know the basic working of calipers and depth gauges, then you will find all these products extremely easy to handle. However, we advise choosing one that comes with a user manual and has clear labeling.
A: The aluminum and stainless steel used in the depth gauges are a sign that they last very long, and the marking being lasered is further proof of their durability.
