Entry Level Hand Tools for Woodworking, Part 2; Marking Knives and Gauges.

This series is a quick introduction to selecting handtools for woodworking. You can see part one here:

https://steemit.com/woodworking/@skycranehandwork/entry-level-hand-tools-for-woodworkers-part-1-hand-saws-for-milling-and-joinery

The key to precise cuts with a hand saw is good markup and practicing the skill of sawing to a line.

You are going to want to get a marking gauge.

Basically it is a scribe point and an adjustable fence. You use it to make a straight line by holding the fence along the edge of the piece you are cutting.

If you have been following me for a while you have seen some of my hand made marking gauges:

But you can pick on up on amazon for less than 20 bucks:

http://amzn.to/2FdLkuI

Once you mark a line with the gauge, you can undercut it from one side with a chisel.

This leaves a groove, or “knife wall” that you can use to line up your saw blade.

The result is very clean lines.
.

The next essential item for markup is a marking knife.

It is used along with a square or bevel gauge wherever you need to mark a cross cut, miter or dovetail.
Some people just use exacto knives or even scalpels. However, for marking along an edge it improves control and precision if the knife has a one sided bevel. The one I am using here is for lefties. I bought it when I was in japan 2 years ago.

This one here:

http://amzn.to/2FdyyIJ

can be used left or right handed. It has a very thick point that will not break easily.

The basic idea is the same. You make a mark where you want to cut by drawing the knife along a straight edge, then undercutting with a chisel on the waste side of your planned saw cut, then using that knife wall to position your saw.

Coming up in part 3, we will take a look at some chisels.

Thanks for looking and let me know what you think,
Until next time,
@skycranehandwork

We have started a woodworking community here on steemit and would welcome you. Come join us on our discord channel, click the link and follow the directions to sign up here: https://discord.gg/v9YaGYw