I'm new to using a marking gauge and have a couple of questions about set up that I'm hoping somebody here can set me straight on. I've read in a couple of places that I should reshape the marking pin from its out of the box round tapered shape to a half round tapered shape. Reason being it gives a cleaner cut and wanders less. Sounds reasonable. Here are my questions:
1. Seems to me the half round side should be the side closer to the fence. Correct?
2. How does one reshape the pin? I tried with a file, and it didn't seem to work well. I stopped before I filed into the wood beam. It'd be easier to file it if I could remove it from the beam, but it doesn't look like it comes out easily. It's not held in be a wedge or anything simply elegant. If I do get it out, I'll need a a jig to hold it, which defeats the purpose of removing it in the first place.
3. Assuming I can reshape it, do I need to sharpen it like I'd sharpen a chisel or plane iron?
I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
Ken Marion