Panel Gauge

Project Owner: Adrian Burleigh
Type of Wood: Ipe
Finish: Linseed oil and turpentine
Dimensions: 48"

Description:

My joinery has improved by relying on gauged cut lines rather than using only a pencil line to give me the accuracy needed in closing up my joints. I decided to make my own panel gauge long enough to handle sheet goods and wide panels as well as carcass layout. Most of the ones for sale in the catalogs are somewhat shorter than what I wanted. I believe this gauge is an original design with a sliding wedge on a split rail which allows quick movement and precise tensioning while maintaining the guide to lock down squarely on the rail. It is also made of Ipe. The guide is white oak with brass lined rabbit. “Hey this might be my next carving exercise”, a “rabbit shaped” guide. Got to have fun playing with my tools! Also the tensioning screw is capped off with my characteristic woodpecker head carved from a piece of maple. He keeps a close watch on all the action. Just for the fun of it.