Pencil Me In

Trimcat

What kind of pencils do you guys use? I tried to find a #4 lead today at an office store and all they had were the usual #2's which I find to be too soft and in need of continual sharpening. I've had some really great #4's in the past. I personally can't bring myself to use the log pencils that every hardware store seems to think all carpenters should use.... I can see them in framing maybe but I don't see how they are useful in trimming.

A side note to you new guys...... ERASE YOUR FREAKIN PENCIL LINES ON WOOD THAT IS GOING TO BE STAINED......

There... had to get that off my chest..

Double-A

Try your art supply dealer. 2H = #4.

Amazon has Dixon Ticonderoga Woodcase Pencil, 2H #4, Yellow Barrel, 1.87/dozen.

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Teetorbilt

I use .5mm and .7mm mechanical pencils by Skillcraft with the white erasers, they erase very cleanly. All of the office stores have them. Buy an extra box of leads while you're there. I have some that are 10 yrs. old and still working fine.

For really fine work I use an Exacto knife.

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neolitic

Try an engineering/surveyor's supply, or
an architectural/drafting supply store.


I keep a white art gum for that.
(See above)
Does pretty well with marks on
painted drywall too.

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send_it_all

I go to any grocery or stationery store and buy the yellow .09 mechanical pencils. I tend to break even the .07s too easily. These pencils I use cost about $10 for a pair.

mdshunk

I like mechanical pencils best, but I destroy too many of them. I normally buy "H" pencils at a crafts store chain called "Michael's". I've seen the harder pencils for sale at Staple's as well.

FramingFanatic

Ive got some spare drafting pencils that i use for finish work. They are expensive but the best. They are staedtler's. Th run about 30-40 bucks for a pair.

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Trimcat

I'm looking at mechanical pencils on this site:http://www.draftingsuppliesdew.com/m...?GroupID=10360


Can anybody tell me the difference between the H pencils and the B pencils? And does the lead get harder the higher the number? Up to 8 in this case? Thanks! My quest for the perfect pencil could possibly be nearing an end!

mdshunk

This is sort of like converting to metric. In the US, we use numbers and the rest of the world uses letters. In order from softest to hardest:

#1 = B
#2 = HB
#2-1/2 = F
#3 = H
#4 = 2H

The "B" pencils are all soft and the "H" pencils are all hard. The higher the number with the H, the harder the pencil. The "B" pencils are just the opposite. The higher the number with the B, the softer the lead.

VitoFromNJ

Whats up with pencils. Isnt it as good as where you draw a line?

VitoFromNJ

and does the saw care?

threaderman

I use mechanical pencils as well,9 mm,but I also like carpenters pencils.

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JLTrim

Never put much thought into it, I just use regular #2's, or what ever's handy and fits behind my ear, although I am constantly sharpening them. I guess trying a harder lead isn't a bad idea. Also, I'm with you Trimcat, I hate those carpenter's pencils.

Quiglag

I use a 6mm lead holder for rough layout, and 1.3mm mechanical for everything else.

Trimcat

Thanks........ how confusing though! I like our number system better than their lettering madness.

DEAD_ONConst

Check this new Lead-Holder out from Staedtler: The large lead diameter should make it ideal for both trim and rough layout, and the large body easier to hang onto even wearing gloves.

I have always used "Carpenter's Logs for framing and regular #2 pencils for fine trim work and planning.