Contour Marker question

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Hello,The other day I found a Contour Marker in the shop that I worl at.  I have never seen one before.  I looked it up on the web and saw that it is used for pipe layout, but could not find any info on how to use it.  So, can anyone tell me how I use it?It looks like this: http://www.ramweldingsupply.com/prod...ew.mcic?s=1362Thanks
Reply:I've used them several years ago, they come with a manual on how they're used. I googled it and couldn't find how to use them. http://www.lencocanada.com/pdf.d/800-05.pdfBasically, set the protractor to the angle your cutting the pipe and mark it with the arm with soapstone in it.Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:What Gizzardgutz said. I remember the manual says to draw the arm from the bottom of the pipe to the top when making your mark. It works. I've tried using them both ways and marking down always tries to drift off for me. Unlike a radius marker you want the pivot points in the arms to work freely. I've used several of these over the years and the degree marks are always a little off. No big deal after you figure out how much. The one I have now is off a fat one degree for a 45. No big deal on 3" pipe but if you don't compensate on something like 18" it's enough that you have clean up the difference.Last edited by Oldtimer; 06-28-2009 at 02:39 PM.
Reply:I have about 10 pages in my tool box at work on working with them.  I will try different things out of the pages all of the time to see how it works.  I will have to remember to grab them monday and scan and post.  Matthew
Reply:I have two of them, and the ones I have do ok, at best.  I have been using them for several years, BUT I have yet to actually get the line to match up at the bottom.  There is almost always a 3/8" off set to it.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Originally Posted by Hammack_WeldingI have two of them, and the ones I have do ok, at best.  I have been using them for several years, BUT I have yet to actually get the line to match up at the bottom.  There is almost always a 3/8" off set to it.
Reply:heres a link to a similar one made by flange wizard http://www.flangewizard.com/master_marker.htmlin my opinion flange wizard tools are a lot more pleasant to use than contour markers, but they are harder to find
Reply:opps already posted-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzardgutzWow! I'd say your arm is bent. I never had that problem. Like Oldiron said, I have had a problem with different ones being a little off on the protractor, but to be 3/8" off where the bottom lines meet either the frame is moving or the arm is bent.
Reply:Originally Posted by rusty rippleheres a link to a similar one made by flange wizard http://www.flangewizard.com/master_marker.htmlin my opinion flange wizard tools are a lot more pleasant to use than contour markers, but they are harder to find
Reply:Thanks for all the responses folks.  I will have to try it out.  I dont work with pipe much, maily 24 to 36 inch propane tanks.Thanks again, Bo