For drafting work, the 0.5mm 2H pencil lead is perfect. HB lead tends to smear on the drafting paper, making a less neat drawing and more difficult erasure.
I use the wooden pencils, also 2H, infrequently because the point easily enlarges in contact diameter. That interferes with the precision of the drawing, especially in small places. Note that they come without erasers.
Sometimes I will use the small eraser on the top of the mechanical pencil, especially in tiny areas to erase. For most erasing, I use the white polymer/vinyl rectangle. It erases more easily than the grey kneaded eraser but it does make particle dust. That needs to brushed away with the soft, light brush. You can blow away the dust but it is a pain in the neck to get rid of it all. The same goes for just brushing it away with your hand.
The thin aluminum eraser shield is a must. You cannot get close enough to the retaining line without it.
The ultra-fine 0.4mm gel rolling pens (Pilot) are for those occasional times where you want to go directly over the main pencil lines to finalize a drawing. (Of course, there is no going back!) This will make it easier to see the main components as it is hanging on the board in front of the workbench.
Well, these three posts cover just about all of the drawing tools you need for the shop. They are all well worth having readily available.
But do I draw every piece? No. A few easier ones do not get a formal drawing. Dangerous as it can be, I sometimes use only crude hand-drawn sketches. For some pieces, there are no sketches at all. The main example for that is small boxes.
By the way, with only one exception, I have never made the same piece more than once! Why? I guess I like new ideas, new designs, and new challenges
I should also add: I have use two and three dimensional programs on the computer to try designs. Despite some obvious advantages, I just have not adapted to it. It may be ahead, though for now I am quite comfortable with the pencils.
Let me add an additional pencil to your list – the Stabilo All Graphite pencil. Few know about his pencil. Invaluable in the shop as it marks on all surfaces including glass, plastic, leather, rubber, metal- you get the idea. My go to, so I buy them by the box from Dick Blick.
Thanks, Richard. Stabilo #8008? #8046? So many options. Which works for you?
Historically I’ve always used the 8008. Great all around drawing and sketching pencil as well. Creamy smooth lead, love the way it lays down the lines.
Thanks again, Richard. I have to give it a try.
You bet Rob. While I’m here let me comment on your erasers. Not sure if you know of Jet Pens but they carry lots of cool Japanese pens, pencils, etc. One of the finds I stumbled on is the Summo Grip Eraser. It uses “innovative micro-porous foam technology” to pickup graphite out of the smallest paper pores. Works good on wood too (wood has pores too :-) ). Has replaced and/or supplemented all my old Staedtler white erasers. Check it out on Jet Pens.
I should mention that I’ve mostly switched to Pilot Frixion ball point pens for sketching, conceptual and some drafting. Unlike a standard ball point they are _eraseable_ and leave zero crumbs. Available in a variety of line sizes. I like the blue-black ink versions with the “knock” mechanism actuator. Unlike other pens (and pencils) they don’t smear. However, direct sunlight or high heat can make the lines disappear, but put your drawings in the refrigerator and presto they reappear! While I have a variety of mechanical and regular pencils, when I need a fine line mechanical pencil, I tend to always grab the Pilot Precise with shaker mechanism. Shake to advance (or click if you like). It contains a light spring to cushion and protect the .5 mm lead. Jet should have these in stock along with the Frixion pens if you’re in an adventurous mood or just looking for a few inexpensive Christmas presents for yourself.
Thanks, again, Richard!
Ok folks, here are more tools, yes tools, to consider:
Erasers: Summo Grip Eraser
Pens that are erasable and don’t smear: Pilot Frixion ball point pens
Fine pencils: Pilot Precise with shaker mechanism
I’ve got to check these out in hand. Precise marking really helps fine woodworking!