Replies

1. 
   desertmaster | Feb 27, 2006 02:59am | #1

   Cepwin, 

     You call it a measuring guage, but from the description it sounds like a mortise guage:  has a horizontal bar with a sharp pin sticking down, near the end of the bar, and an adjustable sliding block that slides along the edge of the workpiece?  

     If that's it, then yes, it does work better if the sharp end of the pin is filed to a sharp knife like edge that cuts a line into the wood,  rather than a point, which just tends to cut a kind of ragged line.  Also, on the first pass, instead of holding it with the pin pointing straight up, lean it a little so the pin aims backwards (trailing) at an angle, then make a couple of more passes  using a litle more pressure to deepen the cut.    Gary 

    

1. 
   cepwin | Feb 27, 2006 04:30am | #2

   OK thanks!! That's what I needed to know!

1. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 01, 2006 04:36am | #3

   If I can 'butt in'?..
   Different woods cut differently too.. Some will NEVER cut a straight un-jagged line.. DO not worry to much about it.. Just me...

1. 
   AdamCherubini | Mar 03, 2006 05:21am | #4

   I disagree. Its hard to get a good mark in oaks- especially red. The trick is to shape the cross section of the pin like half an american football. The flat side should face the fence. So you have sharp edges on both sides (so you can go both directions). Lean the gauge over at a 30 degree angle if the arm will allow, or such that the arm contacts the board and the pin is just touching, then roll the gauge so the arm doesn't touch (you'll figure it out).Then make LIGHT passes.If you try to make a deep line in a single pass the long grain will grab the pin and take you places you don't want to go. I know what WillGeorge is saying and he's right that it may never be perfect, but you can get a really nice line if you try a little.Adam