WoodWorks by Garry

A universal gauge height, depth or layout tool made of wood  

This is a gauge I made in haste to use for setting the height of my table saw blade. Since I have made the gauge
I have found many more uses for it. I have found the tool to be easier to get accurate readings because of the broad
base on the sliding portion of the tool. Most depth gauge plans call for a very small area that will make contact with the blades or router bits. Utilizing a larger contact surface on the slide of the tool does not allow as much room for error when trying to judge the exact location to set the gauge to contact a saw blade at it's highest arc when setting the blade height on a table saw. 
This simple tool can be used to measure the height of saw blade or router bit. 
Other uses include measuring the distance from the outside edge of a router bit to the router fence. It can be used to measure depths of rabbets or thickness' of material and can also be used to transfer layout lines.
The slide protrudes from the top of the base the same distance as the height of the blade or bit that is being tested which makes it easy to use a scale the measure heights or depths. 

The long piece on the bottom of the slide allows for easy detection of the highest arc of the blade.	Router bit height is very easy to determine. Just leave the thumb screw loose enough to allow the slide to raise as the bit or blade is being adjusted for height. When it reaches the correct mark, your there.
Makes quick for adjustments for router fences.	Works well for determining depths of rabbets.
Works nicely for layout work and measuring and transferring thickness' of materials or depths of rabbets and grooves.	Here the gauge is being used a stop for repeat cuts on the table saw sled

As I said above, I was in a rush when I designed this gauge. Not much for thought went into it.
Because it has become a tool that I have come to depend on daily, I will soon be taking the time to refine it.
Some of the refinements will include
1. The tightening knob will be on the front side instead of the back.
2. The back block could be a 1/4 to 1/2 inch thicker to make it more stable when raising a blade or bit against the slide.
3. Add a self adhesive scale for accurate increments.

!