Should marking gauge brass be proud of fence?

[Herv Peairs]

I've seen some where it's proud and some where it's flush. I've been told that it should be proud, but have also seen a recommendation that it be sanded down flush. What say you?

[Jim Koepke]

My preference is for flush. If it is proud, depending on its size and shape, it can cause the gauge to rock in use.

jtk

[Chuck Nickerson]

If it's proud then it's the real fence.

[Herv Peairs]

Thanks, Jim. This is what I was thinking.

[Rob Luter]

Flush. The brass inserts in my old Stanley #77 gauge were flush with the fence.

[Derek Cohen]

I've seen some where it's proud and some where it's flush. I've been told that it should be proud, but have also seen a recommendation that it be sanded down flush. What say you?

Herv, I have never come across brass strips - on either vintage or modern gauges - that are finished proud of the surface of a fence. I do not see the point for raising them up - this reduces reference surface.

The one on the right is from Colen Clenton ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_37a81a49.jpg


Note that the ebony insert for the Kinshiro is also flush.

Below is one I made. Brass is flush ...

https://i.postimg.cc/G3gdbChQ/1-zpsgyw8ijei.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Joe Bailey]

I have seen them proud of the head stock on dozens of old gauges -- it's almost certainly the result of wood shrinkage/movement.
Agree that they should be flush.