Spar-maker’s gauge (octagon marking gauge)

[Philip Davies]

The idea for these octagon gauges was published first in “Fine Woodworking”, submitted by Percy Blandford. As he wrote over a hundred books on topics as diverse as Blacksmithing and canoe building, probably a few of you may recognise his name. There is an interesting obituary of him online, from the Telegraph.

So, originally a boatbuilder’s gauge, I made mine to scribe tapered octagons for chisel handles.

If the spurs are set proportionately to the width of the gauge, they will remain proportionate irrespective of the angle.


As usual, this tool is made from salvaged material. The stocks are made from the notes of marimbas which a local school threw away, beautiful tropical hardwood, from which I’ve made a number of small items, eg cabinet handles.