Height Done Right
Peachtree Woodworking depth gauge, no. 1058, $9
You can spend more for bells and whistles, but this gauge simply delivers 15 accurate measurements from 1⁄8 " to 1" in 1⁄16 " increments without fuss or extravagance, shown above.
888-512-9069, ptreeusa.com
Infinity Cutting Tools combo gauge, no. 100-251, $10
This aluminum gauge shows depth settings along its edges from 1⁄8 " to 1" in 1⁄16 " increments. The stepped increments on the pictured face help you set stacked-dado blade widths, with labels on the opposite face for setting blade heights up to 2" in 1⁄8 " increments.
877-872-2487, infinitytools.com
Milescraft depth gauge, no. 8601, $8
A 5"-long rule with inch markings on one side and metric on the other fits into the plastic saddle that straddles the blade or bit. We like the large brass knob that locks the rule securely.
224-227-6930, milescraft.com
Kreg Tool precision setup bars, no. PRS3400, $70
For the woodworker who demands both style and substance, these seven aluminum gauges store in a convenient plastic case and feature three places to measure specific increments. The downside: They can't help beyond 1⁄2 " of depth/height.
800-447-8638, kregtool.com
Rockler bit center/depth gauge, no. 55010, $20
This multifunction gauge features a 12" rule marked in easy-to-read inches and metric increments, but we found the angled edge of the cursor tricky to line up precisely. (We darkened the underside edge with a black marker to improve readability.) The gauge also works well for setting a router-table fence a precise distance from the center of 1⁄4 "- and 1⁄2 "-shank bits.
800-279-4441, rockler.com