Router Depth Gauge

When setting up your router table or freehand router, there are two primary adjustments to make: the fence distance and the bit height. This Depth Gauge makes setting both easily. Just set the hairline indicator for the distance you need from the fence to the center of the bit, hook it onto the bit shank, then slide the fence over until it touches the foot on the gauge. To use it as a height gauge, simply set it at your bit height, lay the foot flat on the table and raise the bit until it touches the arm. The half-round notches let you register the gauge to the center of 1/4'' and 1/2'' shank router bits. Alternatively, you can use the ''depth'' portion to measure to the edge of the cutter, rather than the middle of the shank.

This is a complete, ground-up redesign of my original Router Depth Gauge. Looking back at my early modeling days, I realized the design could be significantly improved for modern 3D printing.

For Version 2, I have entirely rebuilt the model from scratch using parametric workflows. It is now incredibly easy to adapt to different ruler widths by changing a single dimension. While I was at it, a primary design improvement I made is larger, stouter alignment pins and holes, ensuring a perfect, robust fit straight off the build plate without the frustration of printing tiny, fragile pins.

FEATURES:

• Perfect Fence Offsets: Easily set your router table fence —or a guide fence for a handheld router—a precise distance from the center of your router bit—ideal for dados, slots, and flutes.

• Precision Height Gauge: Use it to set exact heights for router bits and even table saw blades.

• Universal Shank Alignment: Built-in half-round notches register perfectly to the center of standard 1/4" and 1/2" imperial shanks, as well as 8mm and 12mm metric shanks.

• Offset Foot Design: The broad foot rests securely against your router table fence, intentionally offset so it won't slip into the fence opening.

• Ruler Compatibility: Standard versions fit any 1" (25.4 mm) wide X up to 0.045" (1.143 mm) thick steel ruler with NO offset (where 0 starts from the physical edge of the ruler).

I also have one for a ruler with no measurement offset.

Available Versions

Every variation is available as either a one-piece solid body or a two-piece split body (upper and lower halves) for easier printing and cleanup.

• Standard (Imperial): For standard imperial steel rulers.

• Metric: Tailored specifically for metric rulers (features a modified Lower Body and Foot).

• 1.7" Wide Ruler Edition: Created by request to accommodate wider 1.7" specialty rulers.

Custom Requests: Need a variant tailored to a specific ruler size? Drop a comment below with your exact ruler width and thickness, and I will do my best to upload a custom file for you!

Print Settings & Assembly Notes

• Material: ABS, PETG, or PLA work great.

• Infill: 50% to 100% (higher infill recommended for tool durability).

• Hardware: Features a printable clean, matching M6x10 threaded thumb screw.

  • Also need a M1.5 x 3-4mm screw for mounting the Alignment Window.

• Alignment Window: The clear indicator window can be printed using clear filament or cut out of a scrap piece of Plexiglas.

Optimized Orientation & Supports:

• Two-Piece Body: Only the Upper Body requires supports.

• One-Piece Body: Use supports everywhere. Tip: Slide your steel ruler through the slot post-print to easily clear out the internal support material.

• Alignment Window: Rotate 180 degrees on the build plate to print upside down and completely support-free.

• The Foot: Rotate 90 degrees so that the open slot for the ruler faces directly up.

• Material Warning (ABS): If printing in ABS, use a Brim on the foot and body parts to eliminate warping and bed lifting. If you have an encloser you should be able to get away without a brim.

Explore More Workshop Upgrades

Browse my full catalog of custom adapters, dust collection fittings, and workshop jigs here:

• Workshop Tools and Jigs:                         https://www.printables.com/@DPs_Designs_4882792/collections/3599922

• Workshop Dust Collection Fittings:  https://www.printables.com/@DPs_Designs_4882792/collections/3599928