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Where to find a mortise gauge?

MikeTNZ

Hi guys,

I'm after a mortise gauge to assist me with building a new workbench from timber, where the lateral members between the vertical legs will have mortise and tenon joints in them.

This gauge can also be used during the marking the tenons to ensure the fit is exact between the two.

I've tried to find one of these everywhere and have come up with nothing.

Can anyone suggest something?

I don't want a standard "marking gauge" as I've found these to be too inaccurate when having to constantly adjust them for different widths.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike T.

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EricL

Hello @MikeTNZ

Thank you for sharing your question about mortise gauges. The store only carries the https://www.bunnings.com.au/stanley-215mm-marking-gauge-2-47-064_p0424143 and not the mortise tool you area after. I remember my grandfather having one which was made of hardwood. It had brass fittings on it and was very precise. I reckon you could build one if you had the time and tools. I usually use my chisels as markers, it's not ideal and I often have to do some trimming to adjust the fit.

Let me call on our experienced members @JoeAzza, @TedBear, @DIY4Knuckleheds, @LePallet, @frediynewbie and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @MikeTNZ

Like @EricL you have brought back memories of Technical school (practical version of a high school) 40 odd years ago in my woodworking class. It was very similar to this.

These days, my "go-to" marking tool is my 150mm and 300mm combination square and razor sharp 2B pencil. Precise measure ments for depth, scribing, and at leat 6+ more applications.

Nailbag

DIY4Knuckleheds

G'day MikeTNZ l do know that the BST Group who are located in Ballarat supply a good quality Mortise Gauge. I don't think they make them but they do supply them. You should be able to pick one up for about fifty bucks. Like Nailbag said, l also just use my combination square these days with a sharp pencil…..seems to do the job pretty good 👍

Noyade

Noyade

"you have brought back memories of Technical school"

Same here @Nailbag - but not always pleasant memories. Our 'Industrial Arts' teacher used to get kids to stand on their workbenches with their "substandard" mortise and tenons and sing a song whist tapping the pieces together. The song would get a present day teacher sacked in a nanosecond.

MikeTNZ

Hi @Noyade,

Mate, that is exactly what I'm talking about!