Woodworking Marking Gauges – Mortise, Wheel & Ebony Gauges

Woodworking Marking Gauges – Precision Layout Tools for Every Joint

Accurate layout is the first step toward tight-fitting joinery. A marking gauge scribes a consistent line parallel to an edge; a mortise gauge scribes two parallel lines simultaneously for mortise-and-tenon layout; a marking knife cuts a crisp registration line that chisels and saws follow precisely. Infinity Tools stocks layout tools from iGaging, Veritas, and M-Power that cover the full range of precision marking tasks.

The iGaging Ebony Marking Mortise Gauge features a traditional rosewood-style fence with twin carbide pins for scribing mortise lines in hardwood. For digital precision, the iGaging 3-in-1 Digital Marking Mortise Gauge displays the fence setting in thousandths of an inch. The iGaging Precision Marking Knife scribes grain-crossing layout lines that register chisels and saws cleanly. For arc and circle layout, the M-Power Flat-Lying Trammel Set scribes precise radii on flat workpieces.

Center-Finding & Complete Marking Sets

The Center-Finding Jig locates board centerlines instantly without math—useful for mortise layout and turning blank centering. The 6-Piece Essential Marking Set bundles the most-used layout tools in one package for woodworkers building out their first kit. Browse all Measuring & Layout tools and explore Scribes & Bevel Gauges for complementary layout instruments. See our Mortise & Tenon Joinery collection to pair gauges with the right jigs and bits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a marking gauge and a mortise gauge?

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.

Should I use a knife or a pin for marking gauge lines?

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.

What tools do I need for mortise-and-tenon layout?

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.

What is a trammel set used for in woodworking?

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.

How do I find the center of a board for mortise layout?

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.

What is included in the 6-Piece Essential Marking Set?

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.

Are digital mortise gauges more accurate than traditional ones?

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.

What other precision measuring tools does Infinity Tools carry?

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.

Does Infinity Tools offer free shipping on layout tools?

Free shipping is available on most orders over the qualifying threshold. See the shipping policies page for current conditions.

Where can I learn how to use marking gauges for joinery?

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

Marking Gauges