Favorite marker? Sharpie?

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I've been using sharpies for general marking on steel and I'm curious if there are any other brands that might work better? Anyone have a favorite?Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:My favorite is Nissen. I especially like their solid paint markers. http://www.nissenmarkers.com/index.jsp
Reply:I like the sharpies too. Tried the 'Bic' brand of sharpie type marker and it would bleed out into a blurry line.
Reply:yep. sharpie.
Reply:Makers. Ha!"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:sharp scribe, or chalk-oh wait, what was the question? My favorite sharpie is a sharpie.never paint over the dreaded sharpie.Last edited by Brazin; 05-02-2013 at 07:20 PM.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:"When I wanna call my chick, all I do is flick my bic" Sharpie! lol
Reply:Plain old alcohol will remove most permanent markers like Sharpies, Marks-A-Lot, etc.
Reply:

Originally Posted by 7A749

I have washed it off with lacquer thinner & it still left residue. At least this stuff I used did anyways. The sharpie silver isn't a genuine paint marker, kinda a cross between the two. That comes off pretty well. Just don't forget about it. Paint over it & you'll paint it again.


Reply:I found a red "Welder's Pencil" at work, seems ok, you can see it under the hood and get a finer point than soapstone.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:I use the (I think Nissen) Markall paint markers for layout when it's just close enough.  Other than that Dykem Spray on in Red or brush on in blue and a carbide scribe (LSStarett).  I use an optical centerpunch (0.001) or better for precise layout.For really tight work, indicate it and dial it on the machine or in the case of surface grinder work, gage blocks and sine bars.
Reply:I like sharpies for metal marking.  Have tried a variety of them.  Most wipe off so easy with solvent (but of course, not with water

)But there is a "sharpie industrial" I found that is crazy solvent resistant.  (Brake parts cleaner will not phase it!)  If I wanted something *really* permanent black colored, I'd use the sharpie industrial, it also takes slightly more heat to make its color go away (maybe a little useful for abrasive cutting along a line, where the material heating up can make the line disappear).Oh yeah, sharpie silver was great too (especially for hot rolled steel) - I need tp pick up another one or two of those.  

But for the most part, sharpie regular is great.  I like the sharpie that has a post-style "clicker" button on the back that makes the felt tip stick out and ready to write on first click, and then click again to make it retract and automatically get covered bya  little swinging door that keeps it from drying out.  One-handed operation; no more fussing with the cap...Last edited by jakeru; 05-03-2013 at 12:02 AM.
Reply:Sharpies will also show through white, and other very light powder coats.Opus
Reply:My favorite marker.....

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Reply:I use paint marker to mark with unless it needs to highly accurate then i use a prussian blue and a scribe.   You cannot see the sharpie marks when cutting with a plasma, which I use pretty regularly.
Reply:I like sharpies for general non precise markings, for more precision I sometimes mark with a sharpie but then scribe in the sharpie mark for a more accurate "not there or there, but right there" type mark... I actually think the sharpies kind of suck in a way but there just always around and easy to grab and convenient. I also use a paint marker or dye chem with a scribe at times depending on the job at hand but a sharpie is always right there and easy to grab for general use at least .miller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:I like silver sharpies but if you hit an oil spot with them they are toast.
Reply:Sharpie, and brake cleaner to remove it.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:Silver pencil or soapstone, sometimes a Sharpie.  Carbide scribe if I want a fine line.Dry erase marker works too, it is very easy to remove.  Too easy sometimes - touch it and it is gone!- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Silver nissen pencil (sharpened on both ends) or scribe if it's chop saw or horizontal band saw.  Chalk if it's a torch or plasma cut.  Side of bench grinder wheel puts a fine edge on flat chalk and makes a respectable mark especially if you blow the chalk dust off after making your mark.You will be surprised how much better your projects turn out if you take the time to make a truly accurate mark followed up by an equally as accurate cut.  Plus or minus a 1/4" has its place for some applications, but you will enjoy building things more and the quality of your finished product will be more apparent if you do it right from the first mark you make.
Reply:Use an artists silver lead pencil for everything including torch cuts.  Beats soapstone every time.They call them artists pencils so they can charge more for them


"Any day above ground is a good day"

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Reply:It all depends on what I am doing, for basic fab on steel soapstone sharpened properly will do, for aluminum I like a red pencil, stainless the same, Sharpies have there place, but wear out to quickly for my liking. I like paint markers just for writing part numbers on stuff. If I am doing precision work, blue layout dye and a sharp carbide scribe it is.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally

."
Reply:I use the silver pencils from office depot and the white paint markers from Fastenal they work the best. I think the sharpies and even other brands once they get some of the dirt and oil off the steel they don't work hardly at all and even then they don't make a precise line with the fat 1/8 tip. A pencil with a sharp tip works great.Vantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:Silver pencils, nissen if the job pays well, art supply house brand if I'm down to penniesSome blue machinesSome red machineslots of heavy steel
Reply:Silver pencils from weldingsupply.com , sharp soapstone for average work and Sharpies for uni-strut or other non-precision hack jobs.Lincoln SA-200 code 4816Lincoln Power Mig 180cHobart Hefty CC/CV suitcase wire feederKoike Aronson IK-12 Beetle track burnerI never scribe a cutting line, for wathever materiel it is or even the accuracy that required, personaly i use a scriber when my layout as to stay on the working piece for longtime, if i layout a staircase and some part as to be sent for rolling outside i have to be able see my layout after. but i even scribe normal stairs stringers.On steel if you don't sharpened your soapstone like a old turd, you'll be able to make line as thin as a scriber will do.On aluminum/stainless i use those extra fine point sharpie markers.I understand peoples who said those sharpies markers don't last long enough, its normal its not made for industrial uses with all the dirt, but if you take care of them and remove dust and oils on aluminum or stainless before your layout line or cutting line, they last longer, i bought a box of 10 1 year ago and i still have 6 or 7 in the box, i work 50\50 between rough steel and SS aluminum.

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Calculator > Bevel Square
Reply:Scribe, soapstone, for sharpies use the TEC markers, they clean off easy with acetone.
Reply:Whatever is cheap or on sale.  I can't go a day without loosing at least one.
Reply:I couldnt find those silver sharpies but the LWS had silver pencils. I bought two. They were $1.50 a piece. The last time I bought a pencil they were like 5 cents. WTF
Reply:I've found that keeping sharpies in the fridge does help their lifespan a little bit.Who is John Galt?
Reply:I'll have to try the red pencil on aluminum. I have been looking for something that will show up a bit better. Its at least worth a try. Thank TozziMillermatic 211Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Elite welding helmetA garage that is to damn small


Reply:Sanford brand makes one called 'Rub a Dub' for laundry marking, dosent bleed through as bad,  ,  ,  , c
Reply:

Originally Posted by Insaneride

I couldnt find those silver sharpies but the LWS had silver pencils. I bought two. They were $1.50 a piece. The last time I bought a pencil they were like 5 cents. WTF
Reply:Sharpie or soapstone for everyday use.Red pencil or silver paint marker if I'm feeling fancy.IW Local 580 NY, NY
Reply:I generally use a chalk marker for non-precision fab work, cutting to length, etc.  For cutting more precise like a 45 on small material I use a black Sharpie.  I generally clean and prep the area with a grinder or flap wheel so the residual is gone.
Reply:I see where mention using brake cleaners to remove such. Hopefully everyone is aware of the very dangerous fumes coming from something that is being welded that has had some been cleaned with some brake cleaners. Can be deadly. I know how easy it is to forget that such has took place and I only need this little old weld, sometimes that's all it to take you out or do permenet damage to your lungs. Everyone should read about that before using, just an FYI!Have A Big Time! Wade
Reply:soapstonei.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:

Originally Posted by farmersamm

Use an artists silver lead pencil for everything including torch cuts.  Beats soapstone every time.They call them artists pencils so they can charge more for them



Reply:Here's one of my favorite combinations.

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Reply:we just got a new machinist in our maint shop and he turned me onto the "brite mark" by dykem. excellent paint marker. i use it for marking beams and columns that will be erected elsewhere at a later date. idk if it comes in fineline though.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I keep a scribe in my pocket for when "black iron" actually arrives black.Soapstone in a yuppie pocket clip holder sharpened to near shaving for most stuff. The file in my pocket appreciated the soapstone to Keep it unclogged. Multitasking !I wonder if this will fit an Elite ?

Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Glad I read this thread. Didn't know the markers couldn't be painted over
Reply:Soapstone --> rough Sharpie --> precision, small areaDykem BLUE --> precision, larger area"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:I like a carbide tip scriber or a sharpie depending on job. I did find this that another member mentioned. I might have to give it a try. Markal Silver-Streak Round Metal Specialty Marker with 5 Refills,  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Reply:standard sharpie for most marks. fine tip sharpie when things are getting serious.Nothing removes sharpie better than brake cleaner.'14 HTP invertig 221Thermal Arc 201ts'15 HTP 2400'13 Hypertherm Powermax 30Esab 875Esab 251Clark Metal Servicespecializing in stainless steel exhaust systems
Reply:Purple sharpie for me. Just remember to remove the sharpie lines before powder coating white as it will bleed thru...BobBob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:I use mostly fine point sharpie. also have used a fine point merkal dry erase marker(blue) and also use soapstone but pretty much never use soapstonee anymore cause I suck at trying to get a good fine point on it and when I do manage to do it it rounds off quickly. Just remeber dont try to use a marker when the metal is hot cause its a big fail. lolHH140---------------------------https://www.facebook.com/brandon.pike.9
Reply:O and one time I missplaced all my marking devices and used a chalk snap line. That was fun till I accidently wiped it off.HH140---------------------------https://www.facebook.com/brandon.pike.9
Reply:

Originally Posted by BD1

I like a carbide tip scriber or a sharpie depending on job. I did find this that another member mentioned. I might have to give it a try. Markal Silver-Streak Round Metal Specialty Marker with 5 Refills,  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Reply:What no one has tried the Milwaukee Inkzall?Miller Challenger 172Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC 225/150Miller Maxstar 150 STLVictor 100CVictor JourneymanOxweld OAHarris O/ASmith O/A little torchNo, that's not my car.