Scriber Pen

Scriber pen A scriber is a hand tool used in metalworking to mark lines on workpieces, prior to machining.

The process of using a scriber is called scribing and is just part of the process of marking out.

Scribe pen – general safety •

Scriber pens are sharp make sure you are aware of that and are careful

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If you accidentally poke yourself and bleeding occurs make sure to use the first aid kit and bandage it up Make sure your fingers are not in the way of the line path being scribed.

Be aware of your surroundings when holding a scribe pen it can become a stabbing hazard.

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What to avoid doing when using a scribe pen • •

Do not stab anyone Do not apply to much pressure, Adequate pressure should be applied when scribing, using too much pressure can damage the tool and ruin it

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Do not leave out any scribe pens on tables people can accidentally stab their hands

How to prepare the workpiece for marking out Clean Clean the surface of the workpiece using the soft bristled brush.

Ink workpiece If your workpiece is metal, use the small paint brush to coat the surface with a thin, even layer of engineer's marking ink and leave a few minutes for it to dry. The workpiece is now ready to be marked out. To save ink, apply only to areas to be marked.

The correct technique for using a scriber Holding the scriber as you would a pen, place it up against the edge of a ruler, engineers square or template. Hold the scriber at an angle of 45 degrees to the workpiece. Keeping the tip of the scriber up against the edge of the ruler, engineers square or template, and at the same angle, move the scriber across the workpiece in the direction you have the scriber head tilted

You should apply enough pressure to keep the tip in constant contact with the workpiece surface.

This will produce a thin neat line that will be bright and in contrast to the darker inked surface of the workpiece. After you have finished marking out and other work on the workpiece, remove the marking ink using a solvent cleaner or methylated spirits.

How to use other equipment when marking out Using rules and engineer's squares Using a rule, measure out the starting position and end position of the lines you want to mark on your workpiece. Place a small scribe mark at the start position and end position of the lines you wish to mark.

Then, using the rule or engineer's square as a guide for the scriber, scribe a line connecting the start and end positions of the lines you wish to make.

Using templates and clamps If you are using a template, then place it on the inked surface of the workpiece.

You may need to clamp the template to the workpiece to prevent it moving and make it easier to scribe around. Otherwise, you will have to hold the template in place with one hand while scribing around it with the other.

Keeping the tip of the scriber butted up against the edge of the template, scribe around the template to create an outline which will be your guide for machining or cutting