Some wheel-type marking gauges are not sharp out of the box, and even the best dull over time. It takes a long time to sharpen them by rubbing the flat side on waterstones. Instead, I chuck the gauge in my drill press, set the machine to a slow speed, and hold a small diamond honing plate against the bevel. The diamond hone will sharpen the bevel in a minute or two. If you get a slight burr on the flat side of the blade, remove it by rubbing that side against the same diamond plate.

—JOSEPH HARTUP, Ridgefield, Wash.

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #295

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Rockler Silicone Sharpening Stone Tray

At 6 in. wide, with plenty of length for standard waterstones, they have grippy dimples that keep the stones stable and level, plus wide channels all around to catch the water. They also lock together, side by side, so I can have all of my stones available at the same time.

Buy at Rockler

Mist Coolant System

A mister for keeping tools cool while you hone them on your grinder. This mister has a base that can be screwed to a support near your grinding wheel or drill press. It conveniently hooks up to a small shop compressor, and by charging it with coolant, you can keep tools rust free.

Buy at Amazon