fine lines?

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Upon reading 200mphbusa post, I'm inspired to ask a question that has eluded me time and time again. I have search for a marker of metal that will deliver fine accurate lay out lines upon metal. Soap stone, flat and round, silver streak, white pencils, magic markers, ... none hold up or stay consistent. In todays world of technology, does a marking instrument exist that will stay consistent?Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:In sheetmetal layout they use a blue dye that works very well on the shiny sheetmetal.  May not be able to see it too well on dark grey hot roll steel lengths with mill scale though.  I like to use a scribe, but use Sharpie markers, paint markers, white chalk, soapstone and  pencil too.  Depends on what I have available at the time and what Im marking.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Tungsten Carbide Scribe is my choice for accurate work.
Reply:Weldinglifer is right
Reply:Old Army saying: Measure with a micrometer, mark with a crayon, cut with an axe.I agree, an awl or scribe is the most accurate way I know of.Work HARDER, not smarter! ------------------------ Miller Bobcat 250Millermatic 251Lincoln Precision TIG 185Hypertherm PM 600Hobart 135 HandlerOxweld 400 FlameMaster
Reply:A scribe is my weapon of choice, producing accuracy. But when I'm marking metals to be cut, with torch or plasma, or marking line up points, I tend to retrace the scribed lines with a more visible marker. I guess I should have given more detail.... Is there a marker that produces greater visibility and a consistent fine line?Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:The tips of Sharpie markers do tend to wear down on rough surfaces. I've seen, in catalogs, markers which use a ball point valving arrangement and have colored paints inside; they're listed for marking metals with 'indellible' numbers or types rather than for working lines, but I'd assume they would do fine but be a bit more expensive for general use. I think they come in fluorescent colors that are hard not to see. MSC has them, but they should be available in many places. They may also dry slowly compared to Sharpies.
Reply:I use paint makers some times.  They are fine for general marking but not real accurate fine marking.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Grind to fit