SIMPLE SCRATCH STOCK

[johnwc812]

Hi all,
After 57 years woodwork I have picked up several tips, hints and the like.
I have found this a useful simple gadget to put on a quick quirk bead. Try saying that fast!
Screw an "old fashioned" slotted wood screw into a block of wood. No 12 gauge is about right.
The distance in from the stock to the screw head can obviously be adjusted.
Use the slot in the screw to scratch a vee groove/s, finish off with sand paper.
Give it a go, it works suprisingly well.
Cheers John

 

[AndyT]

Agreed, that's a good tip.

The screw-in-a-block of wood is also useful as a marking gauge which is optimised for short distances, such as you would use for marking the depth to chisel when fitting hinges. It helps to file the top of the screw so it has a sharp edge.

 

[Teckel]

A simple but very effective tool. It works best with a screw that has a sharp head. Like you said the old screws are excellent for this. We use them alot in restoration.