How to Make a Marking Gauge with Hand Tools - Hand Tool Woodworking

Like this video? Then check out my new and improved French marking gauge video.

   • How to Make an Improved French Marking Gau...  

This is the first in a series of toolmaking episodes I'm going to be doing in the coming months. I've had a lot of requests for these topics, so I'm going to be doing a new toolmaking episode every month or so. I'm starting with the marking gauge as it requires the least amount of precision to make yourself. That's not to say it's a hack project. It still requires some precise fitting of the arm and wedge to the fence, but there is some room for error. The gauge I'm making is French in design and was inspired by an article written by Dean Jansa for Popular Woodworking a few years ago. It's based on the gauges from the Seaton tool chest. It's my favorite design, because it can be unlocked, adjusted and locked again all with one hand. You've seen me use these in almost every podcast to date. They're fun to make, and a fantastic way to use up some of the small offcuts from the over flowing scrap bin.