I can't see my pencil lines on walnut, and sometimes I can't see the dang knife lines. What should I be using instead of a pencil and to highlight my knife line? Chalk?
[OP]
Contributor
I can't see my pencil lines on walnut, and sometimes I can't see the dang knife lines. What should I be using instead of a pencil and to highlight my knife line? Chalk?
Contributor
Hi Curtis,I have the same problem with walnut.And I tried chalk but I didn't like it the chalk went too far down in the pores it just created a whole new issue.I do remember others here on the creek saying they didn't have a problem removing the chalk.And that's sounds about right for my luck.
So I just mark a bit heavy and spend the time adjusting my light.
Good luck.
Contributor
Curtis ....
Blue tape.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Member
Red ball point pen will sometimes work.
ken
Contributor
I am a fan of the blue tape
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...r-mech-pencils
Contributor
I have seen drafting-type pencils with a white looking lead (don't know what it is but it is in the place where the lead lives in a pencil) in the hobby stores.
David
Contributor
Pica pencils with white lead work well.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...36,43509,71121
image.jpg
Contributor
I just built a Breakfront, primarily Walnut. Blue tape was the answer.
Contributor
Blue tape, white pencils, who could ask for anything more?
jtk
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Member
I've been doing a lot with walnut lately. I've been using white artist colored pencils. Not the crayola type. I purchased them at a hobby store. Can't recall the brand off hand. Regular sharpening is required as they are soft.
Moderator
I find that any chalk that gets down in the grain disappears when the finish is applied.Originally Posted by Andrew Hughes
Lee Schierer
USNA '71
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+100 on what Derek shows. Blue tape has changed my accuracy on all woods - especially walnut.
Friend of the Creek
I like this. Not as wide a mark as chalk and comes off easily. You can find at fabric stores(Jo Annes).
http://smile.amazon.com/Bohin-91473-...=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
Jim
Contributor
Thanks for the tip Jim, that looks like the ticket for my style.My wife Shops at Jo Annes fabric.
If that doesn't work I'll give the tape trick another try.
Contributor
I use prismacolor white pencils. I have tried many including drafting leads. None seem to keep a sharp point for long. Marking gauge or a knife is better if you have good light. I really haven't tried blue tape since Derek started suggesting it a few years ago. It seems to have caught on very well now. I noticed that one of the FWW editors wrote about it recently. May have to try it.
Jim
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