I’ve had a panel gauge in several online shopping carts for some time, but never pulled the trigger. While in the midst of waiting for finish to dry on another project, I decided to give it a go on my own.

A couple cut offs, a bit of hardware and probably too many hours with a coping saw, files, rasps and sandpaper, it started to look like something useable. First time making a cutter from an old hand saw plate...worked out pretty well. Must admit, I need much more practice (or patience) chopping a through “mortise”, but in the end the beam runs snug and straight.

While I copied several online examples, not sure about the brass along the top. Theoretically, it will protect the wood from getting dented up by the thumb screw. But instead, you get scratched up brass. I guess it can be refinished from time to time, and probably better than needing to make a new beam over time.

Anyway, all in all, a fun project. Planning on doing a second one that will hold a pencil.

2413E68D-4682-4A38-8D28-DE0C70AFEE29.jpg