Marking and Mortice Gauge - Screw Adjustment

I bought this gauge a couple of years ago for a specific project which never actually got off the ground, so it has languished in the cupboard ever since. I didn't pay much for it (well under £20, as I recall) from a charity sale. It was still in its original package, still stapled, so I'm assuming it had never been used. I'm not sure how old it is, either, as it still bears your Dartford address. I'd not heard of Faithfull before, and assumed it would be a cheap Chinese copy of something useful. Boy was I wrong!

Had cause to use it a few days ago, and I was extremely impressed! I've used marking gauges before, usually made of smooth, barely finished, hardwood with a simple wooden clamping screw, and unimpressive pins.

This gauge was a revelation. Polished hardwood, hardened steel pins, precise brass slide and screw adjuster, and brass wear plates on the 'active' face. It made for quick and easy setting up and marking out, and produced some of the most accurate work I've ever made (I'm NOT a professional woodworker, just a semi-skilled DIY man doing things mostly for the wife...) - but I am a toolaholic!

Even at full retail price this would be great value. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Reviewed by Barry Heath on 1st of January 2020