I like to keep a deck or two of old playing cards handy in the shop for use as shims, but they also make a terrific gauge for copying molding profiles. This gauge is most useful on trim that is attached to a wall or piece of furniture and can’t be held against a blank to transfer the profile directly.

Start with a stack of cards the same height as the trim being profiled. Gently push one end of the stack into the trim to set the profile. Now pinch the stack with your fingers or a spring clamp to hold it temporarily and then carefully wrap the stack with a rubber band to save the profile. Transfer the profile to a blank and rout the profile.

Jim Richey

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