DIY Marking Gauge

I show how to make a marking gauge, an essential woodworking hand tool, step by step using basic woodworking hand tools. In each step, I try to show how this can be made even if you dont already have a marking gauge to begin with. Two of mine ended up with pretty bad off-center holes, so learn from my mistake!!
hardware used in this build:
Thumbscrew - amzn.to/3iV7VgD
Threaded insert - amzn.to/2VdPLhQ
Pin clip/hitch pin - amzn.to/3xbqJx8
Dowel plate - amzn.to/3zJ5mFh
I earn a commission for qualified purchases through affiliate links.
---Tools---
Bench hand plane - amzn.to/368aiXU
Dovetail saw - amzn.to/3655jqX
Coping Saw- amzn.to/3pECvOh
Marking knife - amzn.to/3sOl3Im
Starrett combination square - amzn.to/3iL4bxO
Thorex mallet - amzn.to/2Y2MFeV
Combination marking/mortise gauge - amzn.to/2Y2BfYB
Stanley benchtop tape measure - amzn.to/3o5wecl
Nobex Miter saw - amzn.to/3kxtrdT
Miter Spring Clamps - amzn.to/3rgwEQ9
Dividers - amzn.to/3w8Xr2H
Combination oil stone - amzn.to/397qXfW
Black Arkansas stone - amzn.to/3f33EHw
Translucent Arkansas stone - amzn.to/3vIUyWk
square awl - amzn.to/3q8UjAT
GOOD pencil sharpener - amzn.to/3pB0cY1
---Books---
Working wood 1&2 - Paul Sellers - amzn.to/3x9Y8Zw
Essential Woodworker - Robert Wearing - amzn.to/3zhBpg0
Furniture Making a Foundation Course - John Bullar - amzn.to/3xdw9rM
Shop Drawings of Shaker Furniture - Handberg - amzn.to/3g85Opx
Making Authentic Shaker Furniture - Shea - amzn.to/3cxfaZw
Encyclopedia of Shaker Furniture - Rieman - amzn.to/3pDNs2E
---Consumables---
Liquid Hide Glue (old brown glue) - amzn.to/3a8tzut
Green Honing Compound - amzn.to/3cQNBtM
Pencils - amzn.to/3irJR6f
---Finishes I like---
Tried and True Original (linseed oil + beeswax) - amzn.to/3iDBx1j
Tried and True Varnish Oil (linseed oil+ resin) - amzn.to/3g56D2n
---Camera/film gear---
gopro - amzn.to/3B4tYto
tripod - amzn.to/3pDw0vf
voice recorder - amzn.to/3gkuycV
Lav Mic - amzn.to/3gmXGjR
Voiceover USB mic - amzn.to/3gj9fbW
gopro to tripod adapter - amzn.to/3g5Z3nZ
MicroSD memory card for gopro - amzn.to/2RHWjEa

[@jimfromri]

Excellent video. One tip I was taught is to shorten the screw so that when fully screwed in, it by itself cannot contact the beam. That is, friction can only be applied to the beam when the pad is in place. This prevents accidental damage to the beam if the gauge is disassembled, the pad falls out unnoticed, and the gauge is unknowingly reassembled without the pad. With the shorter screw it will be immediately obvious the pad is missing and no scaring of the beam will occur.

[@hbert06]

Very well done, Frank! Using the wooden pad is a great idea! I used to use 3D printed screws. But this is much better! 👍

[@Gotmovezlikejagga]

Nicely done! I appreciate that although this was only 10 mins, you were able to include many practical tips. ie showing multiple was to get the mortise size etc

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks Kevin!

[@erikiulius82]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! You're so kind for showing this practical tool and how to build it.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you and glad it was helpful!

[@jimmcnett]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@dwainlambrigger3769]

Late to the party, but thanks for the video. Enjoyed it a great deal. Do you think you will ever need to sharpen that pin? Is it something that can be done while in the marking gauge? Thanks again, great video!

[@TWC6724]

Nice! I have some scrap mesquite I think would make some great extra marking gauges. 👍

[@brigetteanderson-atkins1128]

Well done!! I've been into making chopsticks with my scraps.

[@FranksWorkbench]

that's a great idea!

[@jimcarter4929]

Good idea using clip pin.

[@FranksWorkbench]

thanks!

[@athmostafa2462]

Wonderful , I like u work , thanks for sharing 👍

[@FranksWorkbench]

thank you!

[@TheZaaaac]

Where did you get the drill bits for the brace?
I can only find old ones in my area and the lead screw is usually broken.

[@bleedscold]

Good work, love your videos.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Appreciate it Jorge! I think I remember you were setting up shop. Working on one for next Fri that I think you will find useful!

[@bleedscold]

@@FranksWorkbench Yep, that's right. Just finished my Nicholson workbench a few nights ago. Going to be making some shooting boards, then a cabinet to store my handtools. Looking forward to the new video!

[@kennethrutledge9222]

Nice plan !! Thanks man!!🙂

[@jamirlemba]

pls make a video on how to build mortise guage..Ty

[@FranksWorkbench]

great idea!

[@scottadams2624]

Great job!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@georgepalchikov7176]

Great video!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@craftsmanfollower8004]

Good job bro!! I need to make it too ^_____^

[@FranksWorkbench]

thanks!!

[@leonardomurgia4959]

Can't i just use a nail or a thick needle to get the job done?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Not sure if a nail would get hard enough, but a needle may be worth a try? Nothing to lose in trying it anyways

[@najdiy]

Cool n useful

[@dpmeyer4867]

cool

[@guilhermeschenadeoliveira5647]

🇧🇷🌱🍃🍃🍃

[@BeachBoi1000]

You need a gauge to make a gauge… 😂