What do you guys use to mark centers on glossy blanks for butt wraps? I've seen some pictures that looked like white ink was used. I've tried white thread and scratching with an awl.

Thanks

I use the reflected light on the blank or, sometimes a white china marker

Hi Chuck - I use a light scratch with the needle of the compas I use for the measurements.

I use a white crayon that nabbed from my daughters collection.

Joe

Chuck: I use a white "China Marker'. It is one of those pencils that has the string you pull and then unwind the paper that covers the center. I then take a razor blade and sharpen the point. John

Okay. Thanks guys. That helps!

Chuck

Light reflection for the "straight line" to line up a straight edged ruler to, then a fine point Sharpie for the crossing points. It really helps visually, to lightly scuff the wrap area with scotch brite.

I make my alignment marks on a piece of white NCP and then tape that to the blank, one piece each on opposing sides of the pattern. After the first few passes are made and things are lined up, I cut the alignment threads at each end and pull them out.

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Tom, I tried that (bought your book). I had a bit of trouble with knowing how tight to stretch the thread. I also experienced some movement of the thread and had to keep straightening it out. However...it was not NCP. Is NCP low stretch? I didn't have any on hand. I just used white A thread and finally made it work.

I also tried scratching with an awl, but had trouble erasing my mistakes. :) I will give the white out and china marker a shot next time. I finally got the wrap done, which was my first all metallic wrap on a glossy blank. That was a bit of a challenge too.

So much to learn. I really didn't need another hobby...especially an addicting one.

Thanks all!

Chuck

I tried that NCP white thread method based on what was written in some of the old books and found that when the thread gets pulled from beneath, the pattern or early set up threads slide and shift during the pull. It doesn't really matter for open chevrons and diamonds, but when your dealing with more intricate closed wraps or patterns where you have inner and outer boxes, any shifting or pulling of thread can be somewhat annoying and add additional work.

I just plain old scratch the finish. I have tried roller ball white out too, but I can make a tiny scratch and be totally sure my center is the center I want it to be I have found the other methods to be a bit inaccurate.

Don't attempt to pull the entire thread out in one section - cut it in smaller sections and it'll pull out without upsetting any of the wraps.

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