What is marking gauge used for?

• A. Marking parallel lines on the edge of a piece of wood
• B. Knocking wooden pieces together
• C. Cutting mortise and tenon joints
• D. Smoothing wood surfaces

Answer: (A)

Marking gauges are used to transfer precise, parallel lines from a reference edge onto a workpiece. By running the gauge along the edge, the marking tool (pin, knife, or wheel) leaves a line that stays exactly where you want it relative to that edge, guiding where to saw, cut, or chisel later. This helps ensure pieces fit together accurately because the lines are consistently spaced from the edge. It’s not for knocking pieces together, cutting joints, or smoothing surfaces—those tasks require a hammer, saw/knife/rasp, or plane, not a marking gauge. The main use is to mark parallel lines on the edge of a piece of wood.