Description
When we're working with wood, we spend a lot of time measuring lengths and widths. But there's another measurement that's just as important, and that, of course, is thickness.
Tape measures, as much as I despise them, and my favorite method…a flat ruler, work great for lengths and widths. But when you're checking the thickness of lumber, especially when you're digging through a pile of scraps, that's where something like this comes in.
This is an alligator gauge. It has a tapered opening that gets progressively wider, with measurements marked along the edge. Just slide it onto a board until it stops keeping the stock flat against the bottom edge, and the markings tell you approximately how thick that board is.
I know, I know when I first published this idea, back in June of 2022, I got some pessimistic comments.
This first gem of a comment has a point. If I'm using this to find stock to slide into a perfectly routed 3/4 of an inch slot, the alligator gauge is the wrong tool. In a circumstance like that, you definitely want to use a very reliable caliper.
But if you're running through a pile of lumber or scraps, an approximate measurement is really all you need. You're looking for stock that's a little thicker than your finished dimension so you have something to work with later on.
The next comment...I'm not exactly sure what the point they're trying to make is, but if they're saying that rounded edges can affect the measurement, they've got a point. 1 x 4 has rounded corners that can interfere with how the gauge contacts the wood. In that situation, checking the thickness at the end of the board, where the faces meet the end grain, can give you a better reading.
But there is another option that doesn't use a tapered opening. I recently grabbed myself this WoodRiver stainless steel thickness gauge from amazon, and it does a really good job of getting you an approximate size. I'll have it in the description, but this does not replace a digital caliper, and in my opinion it's a little clunky compared to the alligator gauge.
I'm pretty sure after making over 400 shorts videos, you're not going to see this, but I'm now completely dedicated to making full screen videos, so you're safe.
→ WoodRiver Thickness Gauge https://link.amazon/B0bwtJNsp ←
Link to one you can make yourself → https://makethingswithrob.com/alligator-gauge/
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Buy me a beverage! → https://buymeacoffee.com/makethings ←
Become a patron! → https://www.patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize