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In this article we’ll discuss the basics of setting up a mortise gauge, sharpening the pin, correcting height discrepancies and choosing the right gauge. You’ll also find some practical advice on how to use your gauge. If you’re a DIY’er, the following tips will be invaluable. Hopefully, these tips will make the use of your mortise gauge as easy as possible.
Setting up a mortise gauge
Set up a mortise gauge by adjusting the stem and pressure to your desired depth. Most mortise gauges don’t have a scribing point at the end of the stem. If you use a mortise gauge, tilt the gauge toward the direction of travel to reduce jumping and inaccuracy. To ensure accuracy, you can clamp your work so you can see the mark better.
When first using the mortise gauge, it’s important to be careful to avoid misaligning the pins. Many mortise gauge pins are not at the same height, so it’s possible for one line to be deeper than the other. In this case, you’ll want to use a mortise gauge video to help you get a better idea of what to do to correct this problem.
You’ll want to set up the mortise gauge using the right tools. You’ll need a pencil and ruler. In addition to the mortise gauge, you’ll also need a chisel or ruler. Before using the gauge, measure the length of the wood and set the fence accordingly. Once you’ve found the exact length and width of the dovetails, you can adjust the gauge’s fence. Then, place the gauge on the long edge of the beam, and apply pressure to the stem and fence.
If you don’t already have a mortise gauge, you’ll probably want to use a combination or marking gauge. The latter two types are used for metal activities and joinery. For example, a combination mortise gauge is useful for slitting wood or marking a mortise. For more complex projects, you may want to purchase a combination or cutting gauge. You can also make your mortise gauge into a combination gauge by adding a pin.
Sharpening the pin
One of the easiest maintenance tasks for a mortise gauge is sharpening the pin. Sharpening the pin is simple and requires no tools, just a set of files and a bit of elbow grease. If the pins are worn or brittle, it’s possible to sharpen them back to a point with a knife. File the pins starting from the side that’s closest to the stock and working your way outward.
Most mortise gauges have a fixed and a moveable pin. The moveable pin should match the width of the bit or chisel used to make the mortise. The fence on a mortise gauge should be squared to the work piece so that you can see the thickness. Once the pin is squared, hold the mortise gauge against the work piece. With the fence in place, slide the second pin slowly across the wood surface to make sure the point tips are on level.
To sharpen the pin, place it against the wall of the mortise and make sure the edge of the fence is flush with the face of the stock. Tighten the locking screw. Once the pin is in place, slide the gauge along the beam and mark the stock. You should also check the centering of the pins by placing the gauge on the opposite face of the mortise and matching tenons.
Use a trailing motion to make sure the pin remains level and avoid wiggle. When using a mortise gauge, make sure the pin is long enough to clear the workpiece. The pin should stick out on the top but should not be so long that it interferes with the cutting edge. You should also avoid overdriving the pin. It’s not necessary to grind the pin every time you use it.
Correcting pin height discrepancies in a mortise gauge
Correcting pin height discrepancies in your mortise gauge may be easier than you think. This simple step can save you time and frustration by ensuring the pin height is right. Here are some tips to use your mortise gauge to its fullest potential. Make sure the gauge is square, too. Aside from that, the fence needs to be square, too. The angle of the fence can affect the distance between the pin and the marking point, so it is vital that the gauge is square.
A mortise gauge has two adjustable pins. The first pin is fixed into the mortise. The second pin is set to the width of the chisel or bit. If the pins are different, try filing them down slightly. You may have to grind the T-bar or bar to relieve the pressure. If your mortise gauge does not have a measuring tape, you can use a sharp knife to mark the pins.
Another way to correct pin height discrepancies in a morise gauge is to adjust the length of the pin. This factor can greatly affect the accuracy of the pin. You should make sure that the length of the pin is short enough to clear the workpiece that you’re using. It is also nice to have a long pin, which is good for repeated sharpening. The pin length should stick out a few millimeters on the top, but not at the cutting edge.
A mortise gauge should always be used in conjunction with a marking gauge. A good gauge will help you make sure the measurements are accurate and consistent. It’s especially important to use a mortise gauge if you’re working with wood and don’t have a measuring tape. The tool should also be adjusted to allow for a larger range of widths.
Choosing a mortise gauge
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a mortise gauge. First, it is important to determine the width of the mortise you want to cut. Most mortise gauges have two sliding pins; one should be set to the thickness of the chisel you are using, and the other should be set to the width of the bit you are using. Using a tape measure can be inaccurate and can cause the gauge to not cut properly. Instead, use a measuring tool and hold the fence against a reference surface such as the surface of a cabinet or table. Next, slowly move the pin across the mortise’s surface, marking the length of the hole.
Mortise gauges come in many styles and types. Traditional marking gauges use a pin to score the wood, while cutting gauges use a knife to cut through the wood. Choosing a mortise gauge is not as difficult as choosing a marking gauge. These marking gauges are inexpensive, easy to find, and versatile. You can also purchase combination measuring gauges that cover a variety of joinery tasks.
When it comes to mortise and tenon marking gauges, there are two main types: combination and standard. Combination gauges combine both types of measuring tools. Mortise gauges use two pins on one side for marking mortises while a tenon marking gauge has just a single pin for everything else. Combination gauges are a good choice for beginners and people with limited space for measuring tools.
Choosing a combination gauge
While buying a mortise gauge, you must take care to make sure that the point protrudes in the same depth. Incorrect positioning can make mortising difficult. In addition, you should also check that all parts are properly oiled and clean. The gauge’s stem is important to keep in good condition, as sanding can affect the sliding fit. Here are some tips for choosing a combination mortise gauge.
Firstly, choose a mortise gauge with two spurs. Discs have a tendency to break and need to be replaced frequently. While pins are more durable, discs can break at various points around the circumference, making them difficult to resharpen. Another factor to consider when purchasing a mortise gauge is its size. For example, a curved gauge is smaller than a square gauge.
Lastly, choose a gauge with dual pins. The single pin on the combination mortise gauge is longer than the two mortise pins. The double pin design of this type of mortise gauge allows you to mark half of the mortise wall with one pin and the other for marking the other. It is the best choice for most people who want to do both tasks on the same project.
The gauge’s marking pins are mounted onto the wooden stem with a small kerf. The marking pins are secured by a pan-head screw or a lath screw. Once mounted, the gauge will be able to mark one or two lines on the same piece of wood. A combination mortise gauge should allow you to retract one pin into the fence. The height of both pins must be equal so that the scribe can be applied evenly. If one pin is too high, it may cause too much jumping or asymmetry.
