MG-2 Marking Gage

This is an archived item. It is out of production and not available for purchase. Please see our FAQ section for more details.

Instead of scribing pins, the MG-2 uses precision turned, hardened tool steel (Rc 62) cutting discs. Beveled on one side to 30 degrees, these discs are very sharp. The beveled face runs adjacent to the fence. This arrangement allows for a constant wedging action, always pulling the fence tight against the workpiece - a very important feature for accurate joint layout, particularly in wavy or pronounced open grain woods. One sixth of each cutter is exposed (they do not rotate during use) allowing for six "blade changes" before the cutters need to be sharpened. For you heavy users, these cutters will stay
sharp 4-6 years and for many, this tool will never need to be sharpened!

The actual cut is a razor crisp, consistently clean, readable mark in all woods and is comparable to a knife slice. To use the tool as a marking gauge, simply slide one stem back until the cutter is recessed into the fence (we've milled a bevel for this purpose). You can accurately set the cutter distance from the fence by using your pocket rule (of course we are partial to our SR-6 Pocket Rule...). One handy feature of the MG-2 is the accuracy. Dimensions as tight as 1/64th" are easily attainable. Notice the locking knobs are located
on the bottom of the tool, this simple design creates a tool which is comfortable, and a joy to hold and use. The 5-1/2" long fence, combined with the contoured top, allows for dead certain registration with your lumber. It just works great.

For mortise and tenon layout, both stems are used. Let's say you need to make a 1/2" wide tenon. Measure and lock your first cutter (A small nylon pad buried in the fence prevents the brass locking screws from damaging the stems). Set the second cutter 1/2" away from the first. You will be delighted how easy this process is. Now check this out: by firmly grabbing the two stems on the back side of the fence, you can loosen both locking knobs and slide the fence into a new position without adjusting your original 1/2" setting! The maximum marking distance from the fence is a generous eight inches.

Both faces of the MG-2 fence are inset with 360 brass alloy wear plates. There is a reason. Certain layout conditions call for a reference line which is not scribed into your work, an erasable pencil mark is preferable. The MG-2 accepts a pencil in the far end of the stems, a handy and practical feature.