Marking Gauges

A marking gauge has a single pin or wheel that scribes one line parallel to a reference edge. A mortise gauge has two adjustable pins that scribe two parallel lines simultaneously, defining the width of a mortise or the cheeks of a tenon in a single pass.

A cutting pin or wheel is best for general wood marking gauges; it severs cross-grain fibers to reduce tear-out and registers chisels cleanly. A dedicated marking knife, like the iGaging Precision Marking Knife, provides even greater control for cross-grain lines such as dovetail baselines.

Mortise-and-tenon layout requires a mortise gauge to scribe both walls of the joint, a marking knife or pencil to mark the length, and a square to transfer lines around the workpiece. Browse the Mortise & Tenon Joinery collection for jigs and router bits that cut the joints after layout.

A trammel set is used to scribe large circles and arcs that exceed the reach of a compass. The M-Power Flat-Lying Trammel Set lies flat on the workpiece for precise arc scribing on panels and tabletops.

A dedicated Center-Finding Jig automatically locates the centerline regardless of board width—just slide the fence along each edge and mark the intersecting points. This eliminates the measuring-and-dividing step for consistent, accurate mortise placement.

The 6-Piece Essential Marking Set bundles core layout tools into one package designed to give beginning woodworkers the instruments needed for project marking without purchasing individual items separately.

Digital mortise gauges like the iGaging 3-in-1 Digital Marking Mortise Gauge display settings in thousandths of an inch, making it easier to transfer exact measurements from a caliper without ambiguity. Traditional gauges are equally accurate when properly set—the digital readout mainly speeds up setup and reduces interpretation error.

Browse the full Measuring & Layout collection for calipers, digital angle guides, bench squares, and machine readouts. The Scribes & Bevel Gauges section covers sliding bevels and dovetail markers.

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The Infinity Tools learning center covers joinery layout techniques, including proper use of marking and mortise gauges for hand-cut and machine-assisted joinery.