Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Dec 07, 2004 05:29am | #1

   If it stays put when you tighten the thumbscrew, that's all you can ask it to do. Have you seen the old ones? The people using them hundreds of years ago didn't seem to have any trouble getting good results. I doubt that theirs cost anything near $80, even in dollars from that time. For that matter, you can hold a pencil and run your finger along the edge of the wood as a guide. Ultimately, it's your decision- wheel or fixed point, wood or metal, expensive or not.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
2. 
   termites | Dec 07, 2004 05:34am | #2

   I purchased the Veritas marking gauge several months ago and have been completely satisfied. 

3. 
   BG | Dec 07, 2004 03:03pm | #3

   Rody27,

   I have had the Shop Fox for about 18 months now and it works fine...cost $10.  I like the idea of the wheel, it fits my chisel and rip saw so that accuracy is inhanced.

   One issue with the Shop Fox is it's a bit tricky to set because it slides so easily on the shaft.  The Veritas has an 'o' ring which provides some friction on the shaft...but costs $20 more for that 'o' ring. 

   As you point out the Tite-Mark cost $50 more than the Veritas: It has a micro adjustment and a receeding head. I would pay that difference and probably will soon....if it works.  I'm not positive about this, but it appears the Tite-Mark does not have that screw at the end like the Veritas, Shop fox does making it a bit of a pain to set using a rule....need a third hand.  Too often I find myself marking a bit generously and doing a lot of planing afterward.  Quality marking and measuring tools, I find, are well worth the investment.

    

    

4. 
   BenM | Dec 07, 2004 03:14pm | #4

   I like using a japanese marking gauge.  Japan Woodworker has one for about $22.75.  It has a long body which makes it easier to track along the edge of the wood.  The blade cuts well both cross grain and along the grain.  It locks very securely without any slippage.

5. 
   VomSorb | Dec 07, 2004 03:40pm | #5

   The Tite Mark is worth every bit of the additional cost.

6. 
   Peter36 | Dec 11, 2004 08:51pm | #6

   I own the tite mark and the newer veritas. The titemark is definately better but I don't know about 50 bucks better. I have had the Veritas slip on me before so I find myself really tightening the set screw to be sure. That little screw is hard to undo sometimes. The tite mark however has the benefit of optional mortising cutters. I bought these and thats why I own the two gauges so I don't have to switch back and forth. Lastly a wheel cutter is immeasurably better than a knife or pin type cutter.

1. 
   Rody27 | Dec 11, 2004 11:36pm | #7

   Thanks for everyone's feedback, I appreciate your help.  I ordered the Veritas the other day from Lee Valley Tools.  No looking back now!