Simple question... I don't like the clunkiness and inaccuracy of the std grease pencils most folks seem to use. I have read that some use welders pencils and others use refillable fine line carpenters pencils. I have used paint pens but find them a bit hard to clean up afterwards. I like things marked with fine lines or tic marks that are accurate. Can some of you explain what you use to mark blanks and where you get them? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Chuck

><))))">….><))))">….><))))">….Just Fish

Prior Lake Rod Building Guild
Instagram @pl_rod_building_guild

An ordinary softer grade writing pencil works when it contrasts with the blank color and can be removed with the pencil eraser. A pencil eraser also will remove white water based paint pen marks.

You can use the google machine to search for “fine tip” grease pencils. Look for the type you can sharpen with a pencil sharpener. You can also quickly make a sharp point with a box cutter or simply rubbing the marking tip horizontally on a rough surface to your desired angle/sharpness.

[a.co]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/28/2024 08:14AM by MichaelTarr.

I’ve been using a wihite fingernail pencil that the wife gave me 15 years ago. Wipes off easier than a China marker using a moistened paper towel.
Steve

I use a mechanical silver pencil for welding. Only because I had them on hand already (I do a bit of bladesmithing) and I also thought the standard grease pencils are too “chonky” for when you need precise marks.

I just use pencil marks and thin strips of masking tape. I'll mark where grip pieces start/stop, trace reel seat cutouts, mark where thread wraps start/stop with the pencil when I mock up the build. The pencil shows up well enough that I can see it when I look at the right area of the blank up close. Then I'll use a wrap of masking tape to outline the areas that need surface prep. For guides and thread wraps after I place the guides with a static test, I'll wrap a thin strip of tape around the blank about 1/16" below the bottom of the foot to know where to place the guides. The same can be done to remind me where to start/stop thread wraps.

It works for me as a hobby builder. If the goal is to churn out rods as quickly as possible, I'm sure there are plenty of more efficient ways to get it done.

Can use something like this
[www.amazon.com]

there are fine tipped paint pens, sharpie makes them, come in yellow or white.