Marking Gauge Part 1

First part of a series showing how to make a wood marking gauge, per a December 2006 Popular Woodworking article. For more information and to download the plan of procedure visit my website at carlstammerjoh....
Lee Valley marking gauge guide - www.leevalley....
Popular Woodworking "Mystery of the Marking Gauge" article - www.popularwoo...

[@bentontool]

Hello Carl, I have been watching many of your videos and learning a lot. Perhaps some things I had forgotten, now that I am back in the wood shop after a long absence. One thing that caught my eye was your beautiful marking knife. What is the story behind it? Did you make it? If so, perhaps there is a video in that process one day...

[@CarlStammerjohn]

I didn't make that marking knife. It's from Czech Edge Tools, www.czeckedge.com/collections/marking-knives I think mine is the original Kerf Kadet (he now makes the Kerf Kadet II). I have made a couple of marking knives, but they were much bulkier than the Kerf Kadet and not nearly as comfortable to use. Sorry for the delayed reply; UA-cam stopped notifying me when comments are posted...

[@bentontool]

Yes, they stopped for me as well. Thanks! @@CarlStammerjohn

[@rollingstone3017]

Fun Stuff. Right up my unplugged alley.

[@xCotten]

Just found your channel, appreciate your content

[@CarlStammerjohn]

Glad you like it. Thanks for the feedback.

[@TheSMEAC]

As an additional idea/perspective/cud to chew, Bob Rozaieski (who also had a rather prominent video making Jean’s gauges at PWW during the publishing of the article) has since made a significant improvement to that original [Here: ua-cam.com/video/gz3hB7W4CrM/v-deo.html ], and I wouldn’t make one any different that how he makes it now (except as maybe as mentioned below using a pentagon shaped beam)with the shape and configuration of the beam/stock. Just my 2¢, but I think the improvement Bob had made of the original version or maybe a more complicated pentagon shaped stock where the odd side makes use of a commensurate saddle in the head that can be so efficiently and durably seated is superior to every other marking gauge I’ve ever made; that’s how I made my panel gauge in fact. [Here’s Bob’s video on the panel gauge using the pentagon and can be easily adapted to this gauge as well: ua-cam.com/video/4Iz05Gnjxko/v-deo.html ] I thought I’d throw Bob’s upgrade into this discussion since he was contemporaneously working with/writing with Jean for PWW and who’s contribution is significant. Thanks a bunch for the content Carl!
V/R, Shannon

[@CarlStammerjohn]

Good to hear this; I wasn't aware of his video. I certainly see the advantage of his design, and in my video I may have mentioned misgivings about the flat surface on which the beam clamps. I have an old gauge with the same rounded feature. I know I stress the importance of getting a good fit for the beam. I considered doing something similar to what Bob did, but if you create a round or angled surface (the pentagonal beam) at the bottom, then you cannot ride the corner of the beam like I show at ua-cam.com/video/qzl_xrcgjpo/v-deo.html
I really like using the gauge in that way, so I didn't opt for that feature. I suppose you could flip the beam upside down, with the round at the top, but that moves the wedge to the bottom. It would work but be awkward.
On a panel gauge, where you wouldn't typically ride the beam corner, the round is a great feature. Thanks much for your thoughtful input.