Wild Black Cherry - this is the wood we used for our first gauge. It is our top seller by far. The finish is attained by ammonia fuming and a hand rubbed oil/varnish which brings out the beautiful grain patterns from quarter sawn to flat sawn lumber. The darkening of aged cherry makes this tool more beautiful everyday.
Simply the best marking gauge I have ever used. The tool is beautiful, comfortable in the hand, and crafted to meet tight tolerances. I could not be more pleased.
I have tried to use a couple of marking gauges (some pin, some wheel) I bought online with mixed results. I use a lot of red oak in my projects and could not get a marking gauge to mark my stock easily or effortlessly.
While researching some other marking gauges, I came across the Hamilton gauge. I noticed they were located relatively close to me so I called them up and Jeff invited me to his shop to see them made.
After seeing the process of how the gauges are made, all I can say is I don't see how he is making much money on them. It is a very labor intensive operation. I tried out every gauge he had (sorry about marking up all your red oak stock). I noticed very quickly the 4" gauge fits nicely and securely in your hand and the blade cuts easily and more importantly straight in red oak on the first pull.
I ended up purchasing both a 4" and 6" gauge. After using them for a couple of weeks now I can say I reach for the 4" gauge more than the 6". It seems to fit in my hand better and I have more control.
The fit and finish on both gauges are impressive and the brass makes them pop. The ability to lay a piece of stock flat on the bench and mark your dovetails (razor fine line) without having to overhang the board off the bench is what sets it apart from other gauges. I also really like how the blade is able to put a deep cut for rabbets and marks for saw cuts without much effort or repeating cuts.
Although I took my gauges home with me, another unique part of buying from Hamilton is that he packages the gauges in cherry shavings. For the money, I don't think you can beat them, not to mention they look pretty cool on your bench.
