draw a consistently thin pencil line

[mattfc]

One thing that helps is to get a very soft lead, then you don't need to push so hard and the lead doesn't break. With some of the better pencils you can adjust the feed rate, you want only just enough lead to come out the end each time you press the end, if too much protrudes from the lead holder it snaps too.

 

[semenza]

I know about this trick, but I still seem to have a fundamental block in doing it right [sad]

Funny, I got so used to  rolling the pencil that I catch myself doing it with ball point pens along a straight edge. 

Seth

 

[semenza]

I have been using the Pentel Graph Gear 500s. Similar to the 1000 but does not retract, about half the price though.

The .9mm is ideal in the Woodpeckers stuff. It pretty much fills the 1mm holes they drill. Which helps keep the mark consistantly positioned.  I like 2B lead. 

I also have the lead push back into the pencil when it gets too short. No biggie though, just start a new one.

Seth

 

[fdengel]

Not sure how many of you might be pen turners, but there are kits out there to make "sketch pencils" with 5.6mm leads -- not 0.56, 5.6...

Example: http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKSPCL.html

I have one that I made; very nice for use around the "shop" (err, basement)...

 

[tbellemare]

I like 2B lead.  

HB through 2B is what I'd recommend as a range to try. It depends on the thickness of lead and species of work piece.

I have at least one customer that swears by marking ink, as in, Japanese style...

Tom

 

[SteveC]

Now if someone knows of a source for .9 white or yellow refills for marking dark prefinished moldings.

 

[Sparktrician]

Now if someone knows of a source for .9 white or yellow refills for marking dark prefinished moldings.

Try an art supply store.  I don't think I've ever seen what you're asking for, though. 

[sad]

 

[tbellemare]

Pentel makes colored leads.

Tom

 

[flair woodworks]

you lot may laugh at the pencil tether thingy, but the bastard saves a lot of time. it,s always there when you need it and you wont lose your $30 pencil. [big grin]

I like to think that little gadget increased my productivity in a big way.  Now I just need one for my little square...