We use pencil gauges as much as marking gauges or cutting gauges. That's because a pencil line is sometimes the better choice, especially when marking out bevels or curves.
When we construct our shop-made pencil gauges, we include a "face plate" or "curve attachment" to one face of the gauge's head. The faceplate – basically two bumps – allows the gauge to mark both inside and outside curves. You can also use the gauge against a straight, flat edge. The face plate is an incredibly handy feature that was patented by Stanley in 1886 (the patent has long expired).
For years, I've wanted to make a Crucible pencil gauge with a face plate, but we have never found a way to manufacture it economically. During the pandemic, however, I devised a way to make an inexpensive gauge by MacGyvering a British marking gauge made by Joseph Marples.
Marples agreed to sell us 200 basic gauges at wholesale for an experiment. When the gauges arrived, we pulled out the steel pin (it's included in the package if you want it). Then we drilled a hole in the gauge's beam that will hold most pencils with a tight compression fit (and we're including a pencil). And we added a stainless steel face plate (a part that we sourced from the kennel-making industry).
The result is our Crucible Redneck Pencil Gauge that works like a charm and fits your hand beautifully, thanks to the half-round shape of the head. But it is a little rednecky (I can say that because I'm from the Ozarks). If I were going to design the gauge from scratch I would use a brass thumbscrew and machine the face plate from solid brass. It would look nicer, but it wouldn't function any better and it would cost you three or four times more.
Now available in our store for $37 plus shipping.
Specifications:
Beam: 3/4" x 3/4" x 8-1/2"
Head: 1-1/16" x 2-3/16" x 2-5/8"
Weight: 4 ounces
Pencil: Made by Musgrave USA, included
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