Shopsmith Forums

I just read a post that mentioned Gage Blocks in reference to accuracy alignment tools. Gage blocks ranked up there with Feeler Gages.

I don't have any, don't know what they would be used for, am a novice, so I thought my future woodworking enjoyment might be enhanced if I found out.

What are Gage Blocks used for and why do yo think that they are an imost reference accuracy alignments. Photos appreciated.

I'll be looking for replies here as I don't have a clue to what they are. I always wonder about things like that. Things that exist that I haven't used that folks say are indispensable for this or that, because somehow I've muddled along without them and my machine seems to cut accurately enough for my projects to fit nicely together with glue joints that have stayed together over the years.

Here is a link from Woodcraft. The brass set up gauges are for setting up precise distances and depths for router, tablesaws, etc. I have a set and have used them a couple of times.
There is a good explanation better than mine in this link from Woodcraft. I am sure many other sites carry them as well.
Tim.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/200485 ... ges-4.aspx

They are really handy for set ups on the router table and on the table saw.
My set goes from 1/8" through 3/4" in 1/8" increments.
I do not like to use a tape measure for set ups and these bars really help.

Gauge Blocks made out of a very stable material like brass, bronze, steel, or granite are an absolute necessity when you are working with metal. Working with wood is a little more forgiving. If you make your own out of oak or maple, they will serve the same purpose and, if made accurately, are well within normal woodworking tolerances. So, if you wish, you can make your own and save a penny or two.

Making my own...that is kind of what I was thinking. The commercial blocks look like square stock bars. Is is common to make one with three known dimensions, like 1/4 x 3/4 x 2, then another with three more dimensions?

bcone1381 wrote:Making my own...that is kind of what I was thinking. The commercial blocks look like square stock bars. Is is common to make one with three known dimensions, like 1/4 x 3/4 x 2, then another with three more dimensions?

I found this amazingly useful gage block that has been in my shop (used on every project but never as a gage block) for many years.


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In metalworking, there are 1-2-3 blocks that measure 1" x 2" x 3" that can be useful as well when woodworking for precise set-ups. A pair of them are $13 here -- http://littlemachineshop.com/products/p ... uctID=1233

That is real world practicality, Dusty! You must be pretty handy with Sketchup!

bcone1381 wrote:That is real world practicality, Dusty! You must be pretty handy with Sketchup!

NO, not really. I use Sketchup regularly but for very fundamental functions. Sketchup does an awful lot that just does not sink into this thick head. I am constantly relearning what it does.