Tools & Materials
Build a Cutting Gauge
Simple to make, you won't want to lay another wood floor without this handy gauge
Wood scientist and consultant Howard Brickman first saw this cutting gauge being used by a veteran stairbuilder who referred to it as “the pair of pants.” The gauge is also known as a “preacher” for its proclivity to tell the truth. Howard uses his preacher to fill in pieces when laying a floor. In this video, he demonstrates his simple method of building the gauge by cutting the jaw opening a shade wider than the thickness of a typical floorboard.
To learn more about Howard’s technique, read Making a French knot.
