marking tool

Tool used to mark up a piece of material for cutting or shaping. It is important to have the correct marking tool for the material. A standard HB pencil can be used on timber, but for plastic and metal a chinagraph pencil is better. A permanent mark can be made by scratching the surface of the material. To mark straight lines on plastic or metal, a scriber is used; for timber, a marking knife works better. Both are used with a straight edge (a metal ruler or try square) as a guide. Marking fluid is used with metals so that the mark can be seen more clearly. Marking gauges are special tools used to mark straight lines on timber, while odd-leg callipers can be used for plastic and metal. To mark holes for drilling, a bradawl is used for timber, a centre punch for plastics or metals. Dividers (scribing compasses) or a pair of compasses can be used to mark arcs and circles. For large arcs on metal, a trammel can be used.