View Full Version : Japanese mortise gauge ID
Ned Otter
02-05-2024, 7:31 PM
I bought this gauge close to 15 years ago, don't remember what I spent, who made it, or where I got it from. Tried to use it a short while ago, and didn't have the greatest experience, probably because the piece wasn't clamped (I was just trying out the gauge after a long while). The blades could use a bit of help as well, will be getting to that.
My Kanji skills are non-existent, but perhaps someone can help identify the maker.
515096
515095
Thx,
Ned
Joel Gelman
02-06-2024, 12:24 AM
I can't be sure, but I believe Derek posted a picture of his gauge made by Kinshiro and it was discontinued. I have been mostly a power tool woodworker, and am developing more of an interest in hand tools and sharpening. I would be interested in seeing if I can help the blades and develop skill in using it. If you would sell it to me please send me a PM. Thank you.
David Wong
02-06-2024, 2:25 AM
You are very lucky. The gauge is indeed made by kinshirou (金四郎). As the previous poster said, discontinued, and holds its value well.
Ned Otter
02-06-2024, 7:53 AM
Thanks for confirming, David - lucky indeed!
You are very lucky. The gauge is indeed made by kinshirou (金四郎). As the previous poster said, discontinued, and holds its value well.
Ned Otter
02-06-2024, 7:57 AM
Yeah, saw another post of Derek's while searching yesterday, and it's definitely the same make, Kinshiro. I'm in the same boat as you, mostly used machines, but having a strong interest in hand tools. So won't be selling this gauge at this time.
I can't be sure, but I believe Derek posted a picture of his gauge made by Kinshiro and it was discontinued. I have been mostly a power tool woodworker, and am developing more of an interest in hand tools and sharpening. I would be interested in seeing if I can help the blades and develop skill in using it. If you would sell it to me please send me a PM. Thank you.
Derek Cohen
02-06-2024, 8:01 AM
I bought this gauge close to 15 years ago, don't remember what I spent, who made it, or where I got it from. Tried to use it a short while ago, and didn't have the greatest experience, probably because the piece wasn't clamped (I was just trying out the gauge after a long while). The blades could use a bit of help as well, will be getting to that.
My Kanji skills are non-existent, but perhaps someone can help identify the maker.
515096
515095
Thx,
Ned
Ned, you lucky fish! Great find. Yep, Kinshiro.
Here is how you use them (from my website) ...
Mark across the width with the mortice chisel, as shown below.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_19759670.jpg
To set up the mortice gauge, simply place the ends of the knives (or points) in the ends of the cut. This sets up the cutting width.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_m4d3a214c.jpg
Now slide the head of the gauge against the work piece to set its depth. This completes setting up the mortice gauge.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_557894d4.jpg
Mark the mortice lines.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_m71c7128b.jpg
And then mark the tenons with the same settings.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_676286f6.jpg
Regards from Perth
Derek
Ned Otter
02-06-2024, 8:39 AM
Thanks, Derek!
Will study what you wrote, thx much for the details --
When I used the gauge a couple of weeks ago, it seemed like the upper blade was scoring much lighter than the lower blade, requiring one to actually apply pressure on the upper blade, which definitely felt wrong. Just took the blades out, and had a look, and can see that the upper blade is slightly bowed, i.e. when turned upside down and place on a flat surface, there is a gap, doesn't lay flat.
This is likely the source if the inconsistent scoring, please let me know if you have any thoughts on how to address it. I can supply more detailed photos if that helps.
Ned
Ned, you lucky fish! Great find. Yep, Kinshiro.
Here is how you use them (from my website) ...
Mark across the width with the mortice chisel, as shown below.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_19759670.jpg
To set up the mortice gauge, simply place the ends of the knives (or points) in the ends of the cut. This sets up the cutting width.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_m4d3a214c.jpg
Now slide the head of the gauge against the work piece to set its depth. This completes setting up the mortice gauge.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_557894d4.jpg
Mark the mortice lines.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_m71c7128b.jpg
And then mark the tenons with the same settings.
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/AHandcutMorticeandTenonPrimer-BlindMortice_html_676286f6.jpg
Regards from Perth
Derek
Ned Otter
02-06-2024, 12:35 PM
As I thought, the top blade seems to be bent up slightly, causing the cutting edge to be a bit higher than the bottom blade, hence the scoring imbalance.
My poor man's feeler gauge of a piece of paper measuring .004 easily slips under the top blade on my jointer table, and does not fit under the bottom blade.
Derek - wonder if you might have any suggestions about how to remedy this.
515174
515175
Ned
Joel Gelman
02-06-2024, 2:47 PM
:mad:
https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?307183-WTB-Kinshiro-Mortice-Gauge
So much for the early bird gets the worm LOL. If you ever decide to sell, please let me know. I will pay you well for it.
Derek Cohen
02-06-2024, 6:31 PM
As I thought, the top blade seems to be bent up slightly, causing the cutting edge to be a bit higher than the bottom blade, hence the scoring imbalance.
My poor man's feeler gauge of a piece of paper measuring .004 easily slips under the top blade on my jointer table, and does not fit under the bottom blade.
Derek - wonder if you might have any suggestions about how to remedy this.
Ned
Ned, if the bend is the reason for shortening the knife, then "unbend" it. The likely reason for the bend is the gauge being used with a single knife extended quite far, and heavy pressure used. If mine, I would place the shaft over two raised areas and carefully tap with a hammer.
Do not attempt to use a powered source to sharpen the knives. Only do this by hand.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Ned Otter
02-06-2024, 7:05 PM
Thanks, Derek --
You could be right about why the bend occurred, but have used this gauge very little up until now.
Will give things a try and report back --
Ned
Ned, if the bend is the reason for shortening the knife, then "unbend" it. The likely reason for the bend is the gauge being used with a single knife extended quite far, and heavy pressure used. If mine, I would place the shaft over two raised areas and carefully tap with a hammer.
Do not attempt to use a powered source to sharpen the knives. Only do this by hand.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.