To gauge a line parallel to the edge of a block hold the tool firmly, with thumb and forefinger encircling gauge block. Tip the tool away from you until the marking point (spur) barely touches the wood and push the tool away from (never toward) you. The line made should be as fine as a knife line. A little practice is needed to give the proper control, as the marking point tends to follow the grain of the wood, which is usually not straight.
Fig. 8. Holding the Marking Gauge
A good plan is to use a small piece of prepared stock as a practice block, laying out lines a quarter of an inch apart, then an eighth, and finally a sixteenth.
4. The Bevel. The bevel differs from the try-square in having a movable blade.
Fig. 9. The Bevel
This tool may be used to lay out lines at any angle from zero to 180 degrees. The blade may be fixed firmly at any desired angle by simply turning the set screw. The method of using it is similar to that of the try-square.