Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 05, 2005 04:51am | #1

   You got two for $65.00?  ....  Good  deal!

1. 
   MarkRD | May 05, 2005 05:25am | #2

   No, just one. The only picture I could find had two in it...Still, one is around $160 (when you include the protractor)Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

2. 
   Len | May 05, 2005 07:22am | #3

   Nice buy. Is it cast or forged?

   I believe the top one in your photo is cast. The bottom is forged.

   Just curious.

   Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...
1. 
   MarkRD | May 05, 2005 05:26pm | #4

   They look forged to me. Though there is a bit of bumpy surface on the protractor so it could be cast.I want to darken the numbering on the ruler. Anyone have a good technique. I thought about filling them in with a fine point sharpie (black) but not sure if the sharpie ink is water based.Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

1. 
   jazzdogg | May 05, 2005 07:10pm | #5

   "I want to darken the numbering on the ruler. Anyone have a good technique. "

   Mark,

   The thing that worked best for me was bi-focals and good lighting!-Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

1. 
   MarkRD | May 05, 2005 07:43pm | #7

   Yes I can relate... but I still think I'll go with the ink idea... :-)I'm nearsighted and I'm at the age where I actually have to take my glasses off to read the fine print.Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

2. 
   Len | May 05, 2005 07:10pm | #6

   Try ink. The type used in fountain pens or rapidograph pens. Let it flow into the recesses then wipe across the marks. Not with the marks. Don't use a sharpie, it will stain the metal.

   You can also try thinning down some black laquer.

   Hope this helps.

    Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...

3. 
   Hoopa | May 06, 2005 06:28pm | #8

   Do you think that by filling them in you diminish the precision of the rule? Granted, you have to be able to see the marks to achieve the precision of the tool. Fortunate for me I'm able to buy more and more powerful readers as I age.

1. 
   MarkRD | May 06, 2005 06:52pm | #10

   I'm just trying to increase the contrast between the ruler and the numbers. I have a bottle of ink, I'm going to try with a q-tip on just the numbers - this weekend I'll know more.Regarding precision... Hmm. I guess this depends on how wide the engraved (or embossed) marks are and if the ink in the bottom of these marks affect how the marks are perceived. FYI the ruler and the protractor already have some black coloring in them. It's just that the ruler had darkened so the contrast is not as strong anymore (the protractor is fine.Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

4. 
   donkey | May 06, 2005 06:30pm | #9

   Try machinist's layout dye (Dykem).  Brush on the whole surface and wipe away excess with acetone or nail polish remover (test first as some nail polish removers do not have acetone anymore).  Dykem comes in blue or red.

    

   Donkey