Rob Cosman's Marking Gauge

Cosman's Marking Gauge

Cosman's marking gauge is heavier construction than those I already have. I like the heftiness of this gauge now that I am in my late 70's. And I use it in a way that leverages this more robust design. I set it for the depth of my dovetails and then use it to "route" the bottoms of them cleaning out any high points that would compromise the otherwise perfect fit. Of course some chisel work may be required too to clean out corners where the round cutter can't reach. I learned about this tool while taking Rob Cosman's Handtool Workshop. If you are at all interested in working with hand tools take this 6 day workshop! And support his Purple Heart Project even if you don't take the course.

Beautiful and effective

Modern marking gauges are superbly effective compared to the ( many ) older classic designs. I admit to having more marking gauges than any sensible human would ever have, wooden ones with pins and knives and holders for pencils, micro-adjustable disc models like this one, shop-made versions that are not as good as commercial ones. The Rob Cosman gauge is a solid competitor for the best anywhere, though it depends somewhat on what you want. The 1/2 inch cutter is aggressive and makes a cut you can trust to put a chisel into, but for longer reaches you have to be careful to keep the rod/axle parallel to the face of the wood. It has no micro adjust, but on the whole that saves you time. It is superbly made, a pleasure in your hand. The flat side helps save it from damage or destruction when it rolls off your bench onto whatever your shop floor is made of because you idly put it down and then started banging on a chisel. It is quite heavy in your toolbox if you are going anywhere, but it feels super good in your hand. Just looking at it reminds you to do skilled work, because its grace is what gives it beauty. The same thing is true of that walnut or cherry or oak or ash you are making into something beautiful.

Solid Piece of Craftsmanship

Great marking gauge. Does Rob make anything that isn’t top quality?