How to mark out a mortise using a wheel mortise gauge?

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Step 1 – Mark workpiece

Decide where on your workpiece your mortise will be cut out of.

Step 2 – Set blade measurement

Set the blades in position, matching to the tenon size or your chisel width. Adjust by turning one thumb screw first, anti-clockwise to release, and move the stem up through the fence, locking in place by turning the thumb screw clockwise when it is in the desired position.

Repeat this process with the other stem so the blades are the correct distance apart.

Step 3 – Mark workpiece

Mark the workpiece one line at a time, applying slight pressure to one blade when rolling across the surface then repeating with the other.

Step 4 – Mark connecting lines

To mark a mortise you will need to mark the end lines as well. To do this readjust your blades, using the thumb screws, to now line up with the tenons width. Again mark the wood one line at a time.

Step 5 – Cut out mortise

The mortise can now be removed, most commonly using a chisel.