Mortise gauge question

[Tom Norton]

I am in the process of making a gauge but wondering what diameter pins to use?
Thanks for your help!

[Jim Koepke]

On my marking gauges that have needed a new pin a 4d finishing nail seems to be about the right size. They are a bit soft. If you have a broken small drill bit, it might work better since it is hardened.

When sharpening it works well to flatten one side and have a curvature on the other. For a single pin design the flat faces away from the fence. This helps the curved side to pull the fence to the edge.

Make the tip more curved than pointed to make more prone to cut than to tear the wood being marked.

jtk

[David Eisenhauer]

Seems I read somewhere that 1/16" drill stock was a good size.