Why you need a wood marking gauge

These ancient tools are NOT obsolete in the modern workshop. Learn how to use them properly and you'll be glad you did.
Inexpensive disc style marking gauge► www.chipsfly.com/wheel-markin...
Micro-adjustable disc style marking gauge► www.chipsfly.com/micro-adjust...
Disc style mortising/marking gauge► www.chipsfly.com/wheel-markin...
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[@StumpyNubs]

Inexpensive disc style marking gauge► www.chipsfly.com/wheel-marking-gauge.html Micro-adjustable disc style marking gauge► www.chipsfly.com/micro-adjust-wheel-marking-gauge.html Disc style mortising/marking gauge► www.chipsfly.com/wheel-marking-mortise-gauge.html (Chipsfly.com is a sponsor. When you support them, you support us too. Thank you!)

[@rwind656]

I just bought one from ChipsFly... Sorry I can't buy it through your link.

[@PhrankJohnston]

Just ordered mine through your link. Thanks for the info!

[@thrustvectoring8120]

so happy they ship to my country and it is actually not that expensive (less expensive than here - in Europe, it costs 50-60€ without shipping - that is another 3-5€ - and in the chipsfly the microadjusted gauge costs only 25$ plus 16$ shipping), thanks for that! I just ordered a few. So many great tools aren't available here - like the speed square. The marking gauges available here are all only those nail ones for proposterous prices that I'd rather make myself one or just live through that sanding.

[@billenyart8663]

Thanks great video? What about scribing baseboards?

[@kashel83]

"Boy were you wrong" I swear it felt like you were talking to me directly, I'm working on a project that needs several half lap joints and I struggled with making them accurate, so after a lot sanding and mistakes, I used a marking gauge and they came up perfect, I was stubborn in using my pencil and now I see my mistake. Thanks for another excellent video, like always

[@JOSEPH-vs2gc]

All is forgiven, you have now been expiated from your woodworking sins.

[@RKELLEHER40]

Woodwork in Peace my friend. You are forgiven. You are not alone - I have also seen the light and am at Peace.

[@nothingmuch2023]

I so appreciate your videos. Calm, informative... just feels like you're in a room with your best friend, working on projects together.

[@glencrandall7051]

I am not a hand tool guy but I do have a marking gauge. Now after watching this video I know how to use it. And I also know why to use it. Thanks James this video was a real eye opener. Another gem from the Hamilton shop. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay healthy.

[@neilpountney9414]

One of the biggest things I have noted since starting doing any woodworking (and I am a very late starter at 60 plus) is that accurate layout and measuring not only reduces the amount of rectification work, increases your satisfaction and makes life just so much easier. Sure its a statement of the obvious but one I feel many ignore.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Preparation is everything... Not preparing for success is equivalent to preparation to fail. This sentiment is as true for precision as it has anything to do with sharpening, lubrication, or organization of the shop... AND (for the record) yes, a LOT of people ignore it... ;o)

[@willbephore3086]

Very true. If only obvious were actually obvious...

[@observersnt]

Accuracy ia a prerequisite, not an optional extra. Many are seemingly naturally accurate but it’s hard work for me

[@willbephore3086]

@@observersnt this work is extremely unforgiving of the smallest allowances. What do you mean regarding the naturally accurate?

[@observersnt]

@@willbephore3086 I have been involved with four men in particular from a marine engineering background and they work with consummate ease to within two tens of a thousandth of an inch. One of them is 85 year old and he’s still making “ working” models of large slow speed marine Diesel engines using modern, state of the art techniques . The four of them exude accuracy in every single thing they do, they can’t help it. Accuracy is their default state. By contrast, I struggle to achieve and maintain accuracy and I’ve been at it for 56 years. A lovely “elder statesmen” in the machine shop where I served my apprenticeship used to say “ always remember, engineering is the science of exactitude.” Modern technology has provided the means to be ever more accurate in every area of life, but I still struggle. I admire and envy those like my four friends who are just accurate and can’t help it. That’s what I mean by naturally accurate.

[@steveridnour2307]

After 20 years in construction, I have finally got into woodworking. I truly value your expert advice and knowledge. Thank you for producing these videos

[@fryefoto]

Oops, I didn’t watch this when you first published it. ‘Boy, was I wrong!’ I did not know about rolling the beam on a pin-style marker. Now I do. Thanks Stumpy!

[@jvmor6275]

You want to find a great woodworker? There are hundreds of them on YT; James is just one of them. However, I always wind up here because of all those hundreds of great woodworkers, there may be only a handful of actual teachers. Of those, James is the best. Thank you, young man!

[@pawpawstew]

That's a great tutorial, James. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. It's also good to see that your hand seems to have healed pretty well. Side note: How is your town doing post-flood? We had some pretty devastating damage here in my state because of the hurricanes last year. Folks are still recovering.

[@StumpyNubs]

Still recovering.

[@jerrystark3587]

The last time I used a marking gauge was about 5 minutes ago. I was laying out blind dovetails for a small Shaker chest. I used two gauges: one for the tails and one for the pins. Marking gauges are indispensable tools in my shop. I agree that the pin-type gauge is the least desirable type of marking gauge, but it is still a great tool .You easily can file the pin to approximate a one-sided "blade" that will work very well with a good deal less gouging. All in all, however, I prefer the cutting gauge or the disc-style gauges. They just work better and more precisely for me, as they seem to for you. Great tools. Great advice! Thanks for the video!

[@jerrygaguru]

I know it is hard for someone to get hurt with a marker, but I have away taught people no matter what is to always pushing away from you body never draw anything toward you body, I learned the hard way at the age of 9, my family could not afford stitches so it was whiskey and soft toothbrush to get the saw dust out, cover in Ointment pulled together with butterfly stripes was glued on with tar like stuff also help draw out any missed wood that was missed.

[@grandlegacywoodworking7421]

THAT MARKING GAGE FROM THE LATE 1800S IS PRETTY COOL

[@pebayley]

Excellent overview and then guided advice. Well done, again!

[@mdperky]

Thank you - ordered 2 for my shop.

[@jimpalmer1944]

Another great class at Stumpy School. Keep it up.

[@yopasjim]

Fascinating! I immediately started shopping for one for my workbench! Excellent job!

[@gdreclaimed5442]

Great vid! One thing that I discovered with my disk style gauge (the ones with the perfectly round brass fence) is to grind a small flat on the edge of the fence to keep it from rolling off the bench when you set it down.

[@danielleanderson6371]

Alternatively if you don't want to grind *off* part of your tool, you can add *on* a little block or clip or something on the side of the beam, towards the back. Think of it the way you would with putting the cap on the back of a pen so it doesn't roll off the table when you set it down. In my mind it's better to add something that can be removed later than to permanently remove something, if possible, but I do understand there's a certain elegance to reshaping the fence.

[@OliverReinhard]

Another fantastically useful video! Thanks so much !

[@garethclarke7602]

Great content, really succinct and well delivered. Great to see such a professional approach to content and presentation!

[@jimblack6733]

Somehow I keep forgetting that I have one. Thanks for the tutorial and the reminder!

[@phooesnax]

Thank You James!

[@sartorst3376]

I have a marking guage and have never thought of it as a center marking tool this is well worth watching this video. My center marking guage will not mark to the end of a piece which is where it is normally needed. Thanks again

[@JeepinMaxx]

Thanks for the video! I didn't realize how many uses they had. You got me with marking the wood turning centers! I'm adding one (or two) to my tool list...

[@michaelsanford8020]

I love the way you explain things. Makes it easy to understand and be shown how to do things. Ill be putting those disc gauges on my list of things to get. Thanks.

[@andrewduncan1217]

Thank you for your informative video and detailed explanation. Another inexpensive tool that I never knew I needed.

[@WoodenItBeGrand]

Always informative. I'm forever learning with your channel. Thank you!

[@FridayWorkshop]

Great tips. Especially on gripping a disc cutter in a way to pull the cutter into the board.

[@alexjohnston2401]

As a long time follower of the wavy line this has been incredibly useful - thanks

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video, James! You are one of my favorite teachers! 👍❤️

[@wilcoxtube]

Love the tip about marking the dual disc to the width of a chisel! Thanks, James!!

[@danajberry43055]

Yet, another informative video. Thanks, for sharing your gifts of both woodworking and teaching. Please, keep up the inspiring work.

[@800Viffer]

Excellent tutorial

[@mfoulkes622]

Your channel is amazing !! Thank you for your wealth of knowledge

[@richragan4810]

Thank you and well done as always. Informative stuff.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us James, the marking gauges really are as handy as you showed them to be. Fred.👍👍👋👋👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@leewitherington4415]

Just bought 2 from Chipsfly. Thanks for the recommendation!!! Blessings!

[@this_time_imperfect]

This guys way of explaining things reminds me way too much of my high school machine shop teacher.

[@chriscute7528]

Thanks James. I have a couple pin type gauges, but I grabbed the micro-adjustable. Good stuff. Thanks again.

[@roBLINDhood]

Another great video Stumpy!! Such a good teacher!

[@watermain48]

Great discussion James. Thanks for all the information.

[@johnchambers5408]

Thank you Sir for such a great video. Your videos are always very informative and too the point.

[@kencoleman7762]

Another really useful and practical video. I have a couple of the wheel variety but I have not been using them consistently. I shall pick up the pace.

[@stephenvale2624]

I have watched dozens of KZbin hosts doing how-to woodworking tips videos. Yours are some of the best I have found. Please keep up the good work.

[@konkandesi]

Thank you for this highly educational video. Precise and clear explanation.

[@Wildernessways]

Outstanding video,I have always used mine simply to find the center of a board and the center for my turnings. This video has opened up several other uses that I can't believe I didn't think of myself. This type of video is exactly why I subscribe and hit that bell! Thank you so much!

[@arniesteinlage5367]

Great !!!! Now I know how to use my disc style marking guage properly. Nice presentation style! Many Thanks!

[@earlyriser8998]

I had never heard of this, and my father who made cabinets as a hobby never had one that I know of, but I want one of these now

[@aaronmcintyre3998]

Thank you for another good show

[@ernieplumley2600]

Great learning video. Went to the store and bought a micro-adjust

[@CelDez1]

Many thanks for another outstanding instruction video. You are one of the best.

[@Franco.Ar.]

Thanks for the tips! Just in time for the marking gauge building project I started this weekend. It is Amazing how much you miss having a marking gauge when you are trying to build one 😆

[@mailli4965]

Toujours aussi pertinent James ! J'adore vos vidéos bravo à toute votre équipe! Love from Québec

[@jimanderson4495]

Great tips. I just using a marking gauge I bought yrs ago. Thanks

[@MrQuinnsean]

Nicely done. Thanks.

[@micschemelin663]

Thank you! Your tip on angling a pin type marking gage makes my Stanley no.65 easier to use and way more accurate. Time to upgrade to wheel type.

[@patrickdunn8918]

I am just getting started in woodworking, and already landed on exactly what you are talking about. Precision measuring and marking is really a BIG thing, and coming from the machine shop in my earlier years taught me that. I’m currently learning to apply that to woodwork...now I which marking gauge is the best, and most functional. Thank you James 👍👍

[@davidwright5519]

I asked for a quality ,small square for Christmas this year. I think I’ll add one of the marking gauges to the list. Keep up the informative videos. Love them and Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@scottmorris4914]

I have been considering buying one, but haven’t really looked enough to determine which to get. You video provided me with enough info on the stable to get. Thanks.

[@rodjacksn]

Hello Stumpy, Thank you for another excellent vid 😊😊 !! I've always used the sharp edge of my VINCA DCLA-0605 digital calipers (which I recommend by the way), to mark where I needed to cut or saw or drill. Thank you, my woodworking guru, for once again enlightening me to the existence of the marking gauge! It's on my list of tools to acquire 👍👍!! Merci beaucoup 😊😊!!!

[@gregfarnum3172]

I'm very new to woodworking and didn't even know this tool existed. Thanks for explaining at a level that rookies can understand.

[@lynnlamastres3424]

Information I needed. Thanks

[@jeffking]

I just purchased 2 marking gauges from your sponsor.

[@lad208]

You made it easy to understand , very helpful video

[@johnrice6793]

Another well done, informative video. Very good.

[@xaviermartinezpitarch82]

Thanks for the precise and comprehensive explanation. And thanks a lot for discover to me this amazing shop online. I have an digital caliper of igaging brand and I'm absolutelly happy with it. I wanted a making gauge like this long time ago but thr Veritas tools is really expensive. I just buy an marking gauge in Chipsfly and I'm sure don't will be the last tool. Thakns again.

[@smugbear9558]

The pin head and the knife was such a marketing scheme lol litro writing my list watching thanks a lot appreciate the videos

[@ricmondelli5846]

Great job James, you helped me understand how my pin gauge should be held, I always tried going straight on with it..duh...lol Thanks as always!

[@scott5106]

Love your videos! And another tool purchase I blame on you! the circular cutters angle independent motion makes all others seem substandard and I can see so many applications.

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing those tips!

[@tonyperez716]

I have a marking gage that I have tried to use a few times. I gave up using it because I never got the hang of it. I will certainly give it another try now that I learned how to use it.

[@jeffhreid]

Excellent video

[@charlesgerlach7059]

Great video James, thanks. l have one that l found in the shop here on the property l moved too. old school wood shop. never knew how to use it and know l know why some of my joints are coming out wrong...Not again. thanks for the lesson. going to use it this afternoon

[@anthonys555]

Marking gauges are great 👍

[@MegaWeagle]

I’m gonna try one of those wheel style. I have been using a combination square and that Paul sellers Stanley knife for a while. That works well but can add unnecessary time.

[@alfredomarquez9777]

After reading so many fine comments, I have nothing to add except saying THANKS SO MUCH for your excellent videos. Those help us a lot. Keep up the good work! I found your insight on the different gauges very helpful, and will certainly get a disc type one after learning from your experience. Even when I already bought one traditional marking gauge from Amazon (more or less the one with the brass inserts seen at 5:50), seeing this video really helped me to decide to purchase another one of the disc type! Conclusion: Better see all Stumpy Nubs videos twice before another tool purchase!

[@gordroberts53]

Hi James. I have a disk style for several years now. I have dyslexia, so rulers and similar are not my friend as I often have to read it upside down to hold in my left hand and mark with my right. As a consequence my preference is to use direct referenced measurements whenever possible. It's amazing how much can be build by setting up a story board with all the critical measurements marked and annotated before starting a project. Thanks always for sharing, you're still my favourite/best channel for great woodworking information.

[@scott8351]

I have a pin style one i never use, but I think I would use the disc style one. Good video, thanks.

[@kenreynolds1000]

Pulled the trigger on that micro adjust. Hope your sponsor notices the bump. Bought the SS DRO too.

[@jelmo1057]

Excellent overview James. One additional use for the wheel/disc marking gauge is to check the depth of stopped mortises, you can even use it like a router plane to finalize the depth in a pinch. I’ve used various types for over 50 years, and certainly agree the wheel/disc is the most convenient and versatile. Nice job and great topic for new and experienced woodworkers alike.

[@nightcatarts]

Very useful, thanks.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Funny thing is, I thought I was just being cheap when I sharpened a washer and screwed it into the end of a dowel used in making my first (and a handful of later iterations) marking gauge... I was instantly pleased with the results (obviously enough) but I've occasionally wondered if I was doing something "technically wrong"... Most of the marking gauges I've seen for sale were pin or blade type... BUT thanks to Stumpy Nubs, I'm sure I made the "right" decision, all things considered... It's really not difficult to sharpen washers for this practice... Though getting the right kind and an appropriate size for the work is important... You do have to match them to the screws you'll use to set them fast to your dowel/armature... AND a dremel (or similar small rotary tool) is handy for beveling the "countersink" into the center as needed... To sharpen, a scrap bit of dowel should be drilled and the washer screwed fast to the end, then using a tool rest, you can either run the beveling against a stationary belt sander with appropriate grit OR to the bench grinder... A couple passes rotating the thing as you go, and dunk it in cold water so to avoid "killing the temper"... and when it's "reasonably sharp and uniform" STOP... no more power tooling is needed. I generally go for a precision 25-degree bevel for things like this (most cutters on hand-tools actually) BUT you use your best judgment... From here you need to start honing and refining to that razor edge, which is best done with a guide-prop (a standing bar to maintain the scrap-dowel at an appropriate angle... AND whetstones of finer grit or even diamond plates or grit-paper glued to a known flat surface.... AND rotate the dowel approximately one entire twist with every stroke as you go... I recommend TWO marking gauges, personally... Once you've finished your edge, you remove the washer from the "scrap dowel" and fasten it to the end of the gauge armature (likely a dowel of similar diameter, but precisely sized for that gauge)... One gauge should have the bevel TOWARD the fence, so you can use it as shown in the video, laying the fence on top of the board and the washer-end of the dowel to the bench-top... quick and easy. It also helps when gauge TO the limit of a given measurement. The OTHER gauge should have the bevel AWAY from the fence, for certain measurements "pinching" the width of a board or measuring FROM the size of a given dimension. It might sound confusing, but take your time and understand, the bevel AWAY type is less used... BUT where it is useful, it is DAMN convenient to have... AND if you like tool collecting, it's also kind of fun to make... ;o)

[@grahamjamieson7752]

Well done

[@williamsmith9026]

I have the antique version and the metal disc style brand new still in the case. Never could get the antique one to work (never viewed an actual in depth lesson like this) and I just forget I have the other. I forget I have a lot of measuring and marking tools though when I start getting into what Im doing. It's actually really dumb... This video has inspired me to get them out of the shop and bring them to the jobsite tomorrow. You're channel is imo the most valuable lesson packed out there that I sub to and I have at least 30 I follow. I owe stumpy nubs channel💵💵💵💵 support. Coming shortly. Will poke around for links.. Request: Scribing, scribing and scribing. I have some carpentry work to do around some stone and a warped old door I have to work some magic on... Excellent and informative Thanks again!

[@TruthASAP]

Been binge watching your vids so I didn't even realize this was a new one till I saw all the comments were only hours old. :D

[@bearthompson6506]

Another nice video! I am a relative newcomer to hand woodworking and have been relying on my marking gauge more and more rather than a pencil mark. One thing that I have discovered though, with the disc cutter style, is that if the locking screw knob(s) aren't very good at holding, the nifty bevel on the disc will actually pull the beam out from the fence and result in a wider score at the end than you started with. Another reason to start with a light score with the first strike. Also another reason to double check before any definitive cuts or chops.Thanks for the tips!

[@robertbamford8266]

I’ve been using an old shop Fox disk gauge. Cutter is mounted with a screw that protrudes. Flat side of cutter faces the gauge fence so I get an accurate width for a rabbet by pinching the board between the cutter and the fence. Thanks for the video - in particular the (obvious once you see it done) proper way to use a pin gauge!

[@saskanes]

I was just using my disc gauge to mark the wood on the exit side of a dado cut. It seemed to reduce tearout. And yes, I know a sacrificial fence is better, maybe doing both is best!

[@profcah]

Fantastic video. Now I know I need one snd why!

[@daveyoder1436]

Very informative. Thanks for the video.

[@larryfinfrock4857]

1st!! Thanks, you explanation is so on spot. Thank, James

[@danield954]

That is a tool I forgot it exsisted, thanks for the reminder. Just a thought, If you happen to be a woodturner you could use one of those carbide round scraper bits to make a home made version if you are in a pinch.

[@tomtimmons2228]

Spot on. Thanks for the tip.

[@aprilbaker6103]

Thanks ! I had to have one and so I got it!

[@halsonger1317]

You can use a disc marking gauge to set up half laps or other joints where the wood overlaps really easily. Use the gauge to find and mark the center of the boards you are cutting, then use that setting to set the height of your saw blade. It helps if you have a zero-clearance insert in the saw to give the disc a place to sit on.

[@alaskandonut]

Thanks dude!

[@BrianQueen]

Yet another wonderful video. No idea why my disc marking gauge has been gathering dust. That stops today!

[@partsdave8943]

Very informative. !! Thanks

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic tips, dude! Thanks a lot! 😃 I was going to make a marking gauge this weekend... But a stitch inside my mouth (from a teeth I removed) started hurting. 😬 Now I'm ok, took it out earlier today. So... Maybe I do it tomorrow. 😊 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@buzzsah]

a must-have

[@Cecil_X]

I have a dual disc gauge and I love it. Mine has a single disc on one end and dual disks on the other. I seldom use my knife gauges any more.