$19.99
This simple, yet effective WoodRiver® Wheel Marking Gauge has a single bevel edge wheel that scribes a fine line without tearing the wood fibers and does not wander with the wood’s grain. A precision ground brass shoe glides against the edge of the workpiece, and the knurled brass knob...
Details
Features:
- Marks clean visible lines for precision
- Does not wander with the wood's grain
- Brass head with 8" steel rod
- Hardened bevel edge marking wheel
- Simple and firm adjustment with knurled knob
- Overall Length: 8-1/8"
- Working Capacity (approximate): 6-3/4"
- (1) WoodRiver - Wheel Marking Gauge
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Reviews
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Blade not at the end of the rod
As others have said the marking blade is flat. This precludes setting the gauge by resting the Blade on the work surface with the fence on the material to set the gauge at the material thickness. I saw the two or three in stock at my Woodcraft store were made this way, and I was hoping the gauges available online would be different.
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All true, except…
I noticed these marking gauges on sale for a price too good to be true, but after reading the reviews about the blade screw design I thought that even at the sale price it was maybe too much to ask. Then I noticed the next sale item was a replacement cutter blade for a different cutter manufacturer (item#154341 ) who got the design correct to begin with. I asked myself if I couldn’t just get the cutter and mount it on the wood river wheel gauge. The answer is yes. You just need the correct size machine screw, which I had on hand. $15 got me a very nice and useful measuring tool that works 100% like it should have.
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Terrible design
I did not notice the wheel when I bought it. ugh
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Not the best
My biggest complaint with this gauge is the screw that holds the cutter wheel. All the quality gauges have the screw countersunk. This one sticks proud almost 1/8 inch. It cannot be used to get an accurate measurement inside Mortises or other detail oriented work.
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Not Ideal for dovetails
My biggest gripe with this marking gauge is that the cutter on the end of the rod has a screw that prevents the cuter from sitting flush to whatever surface you're referencing from. If you're marking out for dovetails, you have to set your depth by eyeballing it up against the board thickness you're trying to get. Other marking gauges are much easier to use for this purpose. I'd recommend going with a different marking gauge just based on the fact it doesn't do what nearly every other marking gauge on the market does.
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quality product ruined by terrible design decision
With the screw protruding past the end of the wheel, you can't drop it in place to set it to the thickness of a board. That's probably the single most important feature of a good wheel marking gauge aside from cutting ability. (I see Woodriver has a more expensive version that is designed properly, as does Lee Valley). Aside from that it works just fine. I've not had any problems with it's marking capabilities.
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dumb design
Somehow I hadn't noticed in the picture of this that the screw extended beyond the marking wheel edge, perhaps because I never imagined that any company would do such a thing. This dramatically reduces the usefulness of this tool. I've tried to get by with it and can certainly work around this drawback, but it's just so darned annoying that I'm going to have to get another one that is designed correctly. Thus, I can NOT recommend this product.
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Expected better
The screw holding the cutter protrudes past the cutter making it impossible to "drop down" to a surface and transfer that dimension. The markings on the shaft are gray? on black and not the easiest to see. Overall feel and general craftsmanship of the tool is good.
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Excellent marking gauge for the price
Sure, it's not a Veritas, but I only paid $16 for it, so I wasn't expecting a Veritas. The cutter head was loose originally, so I tightened it. Problem solved. It slices fibers fine. I take a light first pass, and consecutively heavier passes until I get the line depth that I desire. As far as the rule on the gauge, don't bother. You shouldn't be measuring anyway. Just use the gauge as a story stick, problem solved. I'll likely be buying another one of these.
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Yup - Works For Me
Works well for me. Was cautious given other reviews, but no complaints here.
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Not worth the sale price
Not a quality measuring tool I had to polish the guide stop flat Turn knob had to filed to remove rough edges Not worth the money
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same failings as the competition's
there are 7 1/8 marks between inch marks and they are all the same height making it easy to get 5/8 when you want 6/8 (3/4)
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good buy
Overall this a good tool, I had to tune the cutter because it wouldn't rotate. I honed it on some 320 grit sandpaper, which had the added benefit of sharpening as well. I'd recommend this, but be ready to tune it like you would a new chisel.
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Nice tool, but...
I bought two of these on sale, the price was right. They work pretty well, but I wish the wheels were sharper and made a better mark. Perhaps the replacement wheels for a similar marking gauge, also sold by WC, will work with this gauge. I will also try sharpening the flat side of the wheel to produce a better edge. If sharpening or these replacement wheels do work, I will buy a couple of additional marking gauges next time they are on sale. By having multiple marking gauges, you can set the most used measurements once and have consistent markings through out the project. Yes, I would recommend this to a friend, with caveats.
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bargain
excelent marking tool for repetititive accurate marking. scores a straight line every time!
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With a little help works great
This is the third marking tool I have bought and it is the best. I tried a japanese type with a knife like cutting edge, no good for me. I tried a British brass and hard wood mortice marker.... better, but still not good enough. Initially I had problems with this tool too, as other commenters have said the wheel would wobble and spin, it needs to be fixed firmly in place to work! I found that inserting few sheets of paper to make a small washer between the wheel and the post meant the screw would hold the wheel perfectly. No problems since, works a charm on first attempt every time, never need to go over the line again
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Well Made
I have several of these. When building a project there are times when precise repeatable markings are needed. Set up different measurements on these and you just pick the one you need at the time. Find them to be easy to use, feel great and constructed of quality materials. Good buy all the way around.
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Beautiful, functional
Bought two. Plan on one as a gift. Will not be embarrassed to gift it to a very exacting woodworker.
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Decent marking gauge
Seems solid and durable. Needs a friction insert to make fine adjustment easier. I expected wheel to actually turn, which it does not (not all-important). Thread lock on the screw might allow freeing the wheel.
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Handy
This is so handy to have. I never have to look for a pencil again very fast and a-curet. Thanks
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Accurate, easy to use
This marker is easier to use than the scratch type. Smooth, accurate and leaves a clean cut across the wood that makes your intial sawing set up easy
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Simple and useful. Good built!
I never had another gauge, so my review is not that useful. Hehehe. The gauge seems very solid built. It is egonomic and looks nice. The marks I have made till now is accurate.
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I wouldn't even use this if I were paid!
This marking gauge is terrible! The wheel/knife is not sharp at all! Furthermore the wheel doesn't tighten to the shaft so the wheel just rolls along instead of cutting.
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Not so hot
I rated this low because I could not get an accurate setting with it. The cutting wheel on the end has a lot of wobble or slop in it and it is difficult to set the depth with this slop. I went back to the old scratch gauge that is very easy and accurate. There are no instruction with the tool, so I may not be setting the tool up correctly but this is not rocket science.
