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THE MORTISE GAUGE | ||||
V. Ryan © 2003 - 2023 | ||||
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The mortise gauge is a special type of marking gauge
and it is used to mark wood so that a mortise can be cut into it. The
diagram below, represents a typical mortise and tenon joint. The
mortise is marked out using the mortise gauge although it must be set to
the correct size of mortise chisel very carefully. A mortise chisel is
then used to remove the waste wood. The mortise gauge is normally made from a hardwood such as rose wood with brass being used for the parts that slide along the stem. |
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TYPICAL MORTISE AND TENON JOINT | ||||
THE MORTISE GAUGE (turned upside down, for ease of viewing both spurs) |
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A mortise gauge is used by cabinet makers, joiners and carpenters, to accurately mark out mortise joints. It differs from the ‘marking gauge’ in that it has two spurs (one fixed and the other adjustable). | ||||
SIMPLIFIED ANIMATION OF THE MORTISE GUAGE | ||||
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QUESTION: Draw the diagram of a mortise gauge (shown below / above) and label all the parts. Explain how the distance between the fixed spur and adjustable spur is adjusted. |
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MORTISE GAUGE BEING USED TO MARK OUT A PLAIN MORTISE | ||||
MARKING WITH THE MORTISE GAUGE |
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1. The distance between the fixed spur and the adjustable spur is set so that it matches the width of the mortise chisel. This done by turning the brass thumb screw. The width of the mortise chisel should match the width of the mortise to be cut in the wood. |
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2. A try square and a marking knife are used mark the lines at the top and bottom of the mortise. |
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3. The stock of the mortise gauge is pressed against the side of the wood. It is then pushed along the wood until the mortise is marked out correctly. |
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QUESTIONS: Using notes and diagrams describe how a mortise gauge is used to mark out a mortise and tenon joint. |
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