mechanical pencils

[peter halle]

Here is a pencil that I have started to use when I am doing trim:

[attachimg=1]

It has 2 mm lead and can be sharpened to a sharp point, and besides the sharpener shown in the picture it also has a mini sharpener / pointer inside the cap.

Here is a link:  http://www.woodcraft.com/product/158546/20mm-lead-technical-pencil-set.aspx

Peter

My choice also as only a few screws in the attached sharpener gives you a really sharp point.

[member=1674]Peter Halle[/member] Which lead do you prefer?

Easy answer - the lead that comes with it.  I tend to misplace the darn things before I use all the supplied lead.  [scared]

Peter

 

[chris s]

I am with Sparktrican although I might have to try the one from woodcraft that Peter mentioned.

 

[semenza]

      I use several different pencils. Staedtler 2mmm lead holder for general marking. Pentel .5mm for Incra rules. Pentel .9mm for Woodpeckers T-Squares. Pentel lead.

    The .9mm is perfect for the Woodpecker's items because the holes are 1mm. The Pentel GraphGear 500 is very nice for the price. On these mechanical pencils the metal tube that holds the lead extends quite a bit to help support the "point".  For the .9mm I like 2B lead. It is softer but because it takes very little pressure to make a mark it tends to break less since you don't need to press down.

    I like the .9mm for the Woodpecker's T-squares but not for other types of marking.  The Staedtler 2mm with HB (I think) lead works well for most other things.

Seth

 

[charley1968]

Got a .5mm and a 2mm rotring pencil. I like their weight and the fact that the ferrule is retractable.

 

[ben_r_]

I use both the Incra and the Woodpeckers mechanical pencils myself.

 

[HowardH]

I'm going to try out the Pica and see how it works.  I like the idea of a thick lead that can be sharpened to point.  I've used the inexpensive bic for years and I'm just a bit heavy handed to keep from breaking the leads all the time.  I did some searches and one can pay $250 for pencil if you wanted to.    I'd guard it with my life... BTW, this may be the least expensive tool we have every bantered about.  That's refreshing for a change!

 

[Jason Kehl]

I've also bought 2 Pica's and won't buy a 3rd, they are great for a few weeks of general carpentry use but then the lead stops advancing.

I've had one of these from Lee Valley for over a year and it's been excellent.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,42936,43509&p=45504

 

[Shane Holland]

Just remembered that we have these too. What do you guys think, gimmick or worth it? I think it's better suited for rough construction.

$25 for the tape, $5 for two lead refills.
http://www.toolnut.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=quick+draw

 

[charley1968]

Second that, Shane

 

[otis04]

I use these, they work well, the lead at .7 mm is decent and I I don't fret when I lose or break one.
http://www.officesupersavers.com/vi...0GzWG7g5UtQRpYpppjZHylYp4xkjKh1-6jRoC6HXw_wcB

 

[Cheese]

Here ya go...some pictures of some mechanical pencils that I use in the shop.

The picture is of 3 Alvin Draft/Matic pencils that retail in about the $20 range, .5 mm, .7 mm & .9 mm. Made in Germany.
Next up are 2 Pentel pencils that work for about 200-300 actuations and then they go bust. The only thing you hear is click...click...click... Made in Japan.
Then coming at you is the Rotring pencil in .5 mm which is superb but costs $50+ Made in Germany.
And finally the Custom Faber Castel pencil also in .5 mm which retails for around $100. Made in Germany.

 

[JimD]

I use a wood carpenters pencil for rough stuff and a .5mm if I am cutting to a mark for furniture.  I try to use stops as much as possible but if I cut to a mark, it has to be a fine mark.  I do break lead some but I get more accurate pieces with a finer mark.  I also use a Incra gauge to make the lines - again to get an accurate mark.  It is also precise. 

 

[Ajax]

Alvin 0.5, 0.7, 0.9mm assortment or a wooden pencil that I can easily sharpen with a knife.

 

[ben_r_]

Here ya go...some pictures of some mechanical pencils.

The picture is of Alvin pencils that retail at about the $20 range, .5mm, .7mm &.9mm. Made in Germany.
Next up is the Pentel pencils that work for about 200 actuations and then they go bust. The only thing you hear is click...click...click...
Coming at you is the Rotring pencil which is superb but costs $50+ Made in Germany.
And finally the Custom Faber Castel pencil which retails for around $100. Made in Germany.

The Rotring 600 is now pretty much all I use in the shop. VERY tough built and nice pencil. They are quite a bit cheaper on Amazon though FYI (LINK). I do wish I could find, or they would make, some kind of cover for the tip however. I havent had any issues yet as I have been careful not to drop it, but I am kinda paranoid about dropping it on the concrete floor and bending the tip.

I might just pick up the Rapid Pro (LINK) to replace it, since that tip is retractable.

 

[Justin Michael]

I have been using Uni Kurutoga 0.5mm Mechanical Pencils for the past few years.  The lead actually rotates as you push it down, preventing that sharp point that tends to dig into paper and wood alike, causing lead breakage.  As a lefty who "pushes" the pencil instead of pulling it along like righties,  this is a big plus.  It can be had for less than $10 on Amazon too!
https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Mechanic...65&sr=8-1&keywords=uni+mechanical+pencil&th=1

I have also found this Uniball diamond-infused lead to be noticeably stronger in both HB and 2B than any others I've tried in my 28 years of using mechanical pencils; very few breaks.
https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Uni...e=UTF8&qid=1481227804&sr=8-1&keywords=diamond+lead

 

[Maximus]

And for the discerning craftsman and investor in quality hand made tools...
http://www.yard-o-led.co.uk/product/the-edwardian/barley-pencil

I inherited one from my Dad.  It was his father's before that.  8)

 

[VW mick]

Wow [member=63019]Spiff[/member]

You do find some cool stuff. I might get some refills lol

 

[Maximus]

Wow [member=63019]Spiff[/member]

You do find some cool stuff. I might get some refills lol

Mick, if you're interested you can pick up vintage examples on The Evilbay for less than the cost of an empty systainer! 
A lot of them are solid sterling silver and all hand made & tooled, hence the cost.  I get a lot of pleasure from using mine.  [big grin]

 

[Sparktrician]

And for the discerning craftsman and investor in quality hand made tools...
http://www.yard-o-led.co.uk/product/the-edwardian/barley-pencil

I inherited one from my Dad.  It was his father's before that.  8)

HOLY CRABAPPLES!!!  [scared]  The price tag would give anyone a heart attack.  All for a line that can be drawn with a $7.95 Pentel pencil. 

 

[Maximus]

Ah, well [member=7493]Sparktrician[/member] if you've read this beautiful book:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Shoji-Toshio-Odate/dp/0941936473
... you'll see the incredible things that can be made with just a simple hand saw and a piece of string.  Nary a Kapex, Carvex, Rotex or Bankloanex in sight  [wink]