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Stanley Combined Gauge
Marking gauges are simple tools normally used to provide
a line or lines a fixed distance from an edge, such as layout
lines for a mortise and tenon joint or a line marking a consistent
reveal when trimming out a door or window.
The construction of a gauge can range from the most simple
design of a piece of wood with a finishing nail, a carefully
measured and sized piece of metal, paper or cardboard cut
out, to a more complex commercially made device. All are designed
to provide a constant reference to mark out a measured line
on the project. The more ornate and multi-use marking tools
available today have been produced by many manufacturers for
at least 150 years and are comparable to this design.
Albert Williams, of Philadelphia, PA., was granted patent
# 17403 on May 26, 1857 for this elegant marking gauge. Described
as a compound gauge in the title and further described as
a combined gauge in the patent text, the numerous pins and
points allowed for many uses as claimed by the patent papers.
Unlike the standard gauge, this one has five pins or blades.
Three pin-like blades on the end of the stem (selected by
rotating the stem) are for marking or cutting paper, metal
and other soft materials, including wood. Two pins on the
shank of the stem, one of which is adjustable, are designed
to be used in the usual way for marking out mortises, rabbets
and such.
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