I learned the double line was made so when cutting the board, you cut along the unmarked center. This allows you to see the lines on each side and maintain a straight line. Learned this from my late great-uncle who was a cabinetmaker.
Good history lesson with the flat Carpender pencil ✏️! I was hoping you would have them in your Wranglerstar store because the likelihood of most of us running into you or Mrs. W? Nice pencil 👍👍👍👍💙❤️
as a carpenter for years I leave one side of the pencil covered by wood except the very tip making the graphite much stronger, and it still leaves you with 3 sides you use. great video sir!
Nice video. Brought back memories of helping my father with his woodworking when I was just a little girl he was injured in WW11 and did not have the use of his left arm, so I would sometimes help him and I remember watching him sharpen his carpenter pencil with his ever present pocketknife. He always found a way to get things done . Always loved the feel and smell of fresh cut wood.
Hi, Keep up the good work! I have another explanation for why the pencil is that particular size. Carpenter pencils, along with dimensional Lumber have suffered from the industry trying to make a buck. Rough cut 2x4s used to be 2"x4". Now they are 1 1/2x3 1/2. Same for the pencil. Originally they were 5/8" wide x 3/8" thick. Diagonally, chamfer to chamfer they measured 1/2". The reason for this is that they were used as a gauge before tape measures existed. Folding rules were used for long measurements. But that handy pencil (especially in pairs) was a quick way to space items equally. Like two under a window frame. I don't know everything, but I got paid to make little ones out of big ones for almost 40 years.
Big heels on logging boots is for the climbing spurs. The boot cuff is also doubled up on the sides and bottom to help foot fatigue. Also most logging boots almost reach the knees for the legs strap to help stop raw and sore spots. As well as being double layered up the inside to protect from splinters and accedently putting a 3 inch spur into you leg on a missed kick. Not a logger but a electrician that was trained in power pole climbing. Have not done it in 20 years or so so i am sure i missed something or got something wrong but that is the gist.
I tired this technique earlier and impressed my father inlaw who is a cabinet maker and general contractor was impressed I learned this trick off you when he was teaching to use a speed square and a miter saw. Thank you wranglerstar!
They work well to space 2x6 deck boards it makes a nice gap to wash all the dog fur and leafs threw. Your deck boards will last longer that way in the long run. Tip of the day
Thanks for the video tip! I put mine on my Work Sharp. It puts a great tip on the pencil. I've even tried it on my bench grinder. However, learning the skill of using your knife on that pencil is a valuable asset!
Other benefits of a flat pencil are: easier to sit on if its in your back pocket, fits in a binder better, and the kids are less likely to steal it for school ;D
WTFarm Girl the kids are less likely to steal it is right..kkkk little sticky fingers, look in the bookbag if you need a pencil dad, why you upset?? In the bookbag are thirty and some broken pieces lmao..best fun ever having kids
Cody, good to see you back in your powerplace, since having been stressed out with Big projects around the homestead to a pencilvideo. I enjoyed it and I’m glad you found time doing it and to focus our attention from big things to smaller. Just great
My grandfather and father would scrub their pencils against sandpaper after they initially cut the point in that way to sharpen it as it wore down. They never cut on the pencil after the first time unless they broke the tip off completely. I never understood why until now, it kept them from undercutting the graphite and kept the wood progressing back with the point. Thank you Cody.
I was taught when properly used, makes a perfect contour tracing when you cope a molded profile. since the center of the mark is precisely 1/8" on the long side and 1/4" on the short side, it leaves very little ambiguity or waste in your trimming.
Another topic I have been learning about recently , I bought a collection of antique hand saws , well I was told DUE to shape and teeth configuration would determine what type it is .
I am a little late to the game but I am an electrical Lineman and as far as the heels on our boots, we use them for extra space for our climbing gaffs so they won’t contact the ground while we walk from pole to pole ( I assume the same for loggers going tree to tree) along with the bottom of our hooks having a place to be without causing missteps.
Darin Cooper the term was parkway came about as the freeway it “parkway” was to be a general term the way to the park. As the the freeway is to the free of stop signs etc. the drive way is the road to the house.
I'm a fairly young Carpenter but been in heritage for 15 years now and one more reason it is rectangle is for scribing along a surface for a cut line. The beveled edges makes it glide on the surface and depending on how it is sharpened you can scribe off from 1/8" right up to 1/2" to make for a nice contoured cut to a rough surface
I just got about 6 of these flat pencils from a local "home & garden" show. I always though how did you get them sharp like a regular pencil. So, now I know. I've got a bunch of them to practice on now.
Did you hear about the carpenter on the job that had an accident and had his ear cut off. They rushed him to the hospital and were going to sew his ear back on. The carpenter said that's not my ear, my ear had a pencil behind it
I've also used these pencils as a straight edge to connect points. Depending on the length of the pencil haha. I've been a carpenter for 16 years and only use these. Thanks for the video Cody
Also, when you jam it in your tool pouch in one of the pockets, the sides of the pencil bottom out before the tip does. A round pencil tip would be broken when you retrieve it most of the time. A sturdy mechanical pencil works well too, especially the three sided ones. Great video!
I had always "assumed" it was just a much stronger more durable pencil so it is better able to stand up to marking wood instead of paper like it's less stout cousin (the school pencil). The not rolling away makes sense too though.
I think tall heels on logging boots are for climbing gear. They keep the spikes in place when they wrap around the bottom of your boot. Also you won't be stepping on them when walking.
Great video as always. I was taught that they are also flat so that they would lay flat against a straight edge and give you a cleaner line right on the marks against the straight edge.
@3:35 i don't know, but i'll take a stab at it, and i'd say that the double line gives you better visualization of where to cut. It's easier to stick to the line in between two lines, than to follow one line? IDK...
Two sides- adjacent - short cuts. Two sides- remaining- longer cuts. Short sides support the point, longer sides allow for thighter/ more accurate mark.
My dad showed me how to sharpen them like that with a pocket knife as sharpeners weren't available for those type. Didn't know about the reason for the flat shape. A wide tip like that works for calligraphy. Which my Dad also did.
I plan one side the the pencil so that I can rest the planed surface on a board and transfer the line to another. Helps for modeling work and dove tails. Never measure if you can help it.
Why is the tape measure upside down when I'm measuring? It seems like they are designed for left handed people. I know they make tape measures that flip the numbers over so that they are right side up for me, but they are more expensive.
I saw that Carpenters pencils where made 1/4" think and 1/2" wide for quick measuring tasks. However I have yet to find one what actual fits those specs. So idk, just wanted to share.
I think another reason that the graphite is square is that originally leads were made from solid graphite and the only way to separate it was to cleave it and Carpenters wanted a stronger less breakable lead so instead of square as in regular pencils they made it rectangular manufactured lead with Clay binders was developed in the early 19th century.
Also when sliding the pencil along a surface on "the Flat" you can instantly scribe an 1/8" offset line on a material set 90 degrees, on "the edge" scribe line 1/4" (BTW only a yutz puts a round point on a flat pencil)
I've been trying to prototype a pencil sharpener that does this for a loooong time! When I used to work with my grandpa I'd get annoyed at how often the super fine tips would snap off, and started always just using a knife to sharpen my pencil without even realizing why I was doing it. 3 years, an expensive 3d printer, and some expert consulting later, and I have something that almost does exactly what I want. At first it seems like an easy concept, but there are so many complex movements and pressure changes involved in getting this sort of tip on a carpenters pencil.
Can use as a shim 1/4 and 1/2. Easier to scribe with. I personally like a really sharp pencil so I use a round one. Have a pencil sharpener mounted in the van and you are by it several times a day
I believe logger's have tall heels so that you can kick things lose, I've found them useful for kicking off heavy trailer hitches, they also aid in bracing a limb with your foot to cut it. And if walking over limbs you are probably less likely to slip, the also provide a little more arch support in my opinion, it also looks good. They can also help with climbing as many linemean will tell you. I often use the front of the heel to kick or move things, or the space between the heel and the foresole to wedge my foot onto something. Loggers feel safer to wear when logging then a regular 6 inch boot in my experience.
Perfect deck board spacing and most importantly you can make a fat line and then remeasure and find out exactly where to cut. Left, right or center of the line. Something you cant do as easily with a regular pencil. You know that saying measure twice cut once well the first measurement you mark the piece and then once its marked you can then accurately cut left right or center. Two of the most important uses for this pencil not mentioned.
when I'm doing carpentry, I use the chisel to sharpen the pencil. It has a double use as if the hone on the chisel is dulled then the sharpen of the pencil is a good indicator before use that the chisel needs honing, sometimes the chisel may appear sharp but that fine edge that you need to get a nice cut can be dull especially if like me you only do carpentry on a ad hoc basis and even though all my tools are put away after they have been sharpened or set ready for use, it doesn't stop our boy or or the grand children using them without me knowing and dulling them up. [fact of life, if it belongs to me, then in their eyes its there for their use as well.] The second thing is you get a nice sharpened pencil to work with ; )
It's also a 1/4 in. × 1/2 in. and if you lay it flat and make a mark you get an 1/8 in. Bigger mark than the work your slidding it on !! Very useful for adding a blade thickness !!
Rather than pushing with your thumb, take the knife in your non dominant hand, extend the arm and lock the elbow, then pull the pencil toward your body. It gives you a straight cut rather than a concave one. Also allows for better control of the twist.
wow. i had a dad who worked construction all his life and grandfather too who showed him everything and never did i ever ask nor did he offer to tell me this simple but interesting fact about flat pencils. that little tidbit of trivia just made me realize that sorry to confess that awkward detail but man its little stuff like that that makes me so upset i never learned as much as i could have from them
I actually use both, a round and a flat pencil. The flat pencil for 95% of all work. The round I use for fine work such as finish cabinetry and trim work.
I could also see cutting the v-groove in the graphite would be good for pattern making. Two lines, one for the actual part shape, the outer line as the preliminary cut line on say a bandsaw. Now I need to try this, I am so used to using mechanical 9mm pencils.
My grandpa was a life long carpenter he only finished 8th grade went to WW2 as a medic came back and started a business in Construction. Anyways he taught me to use a knife to sharpen a pencil I just recently learned about the sharpener for a carpenter pencil.
Basically the same as a welders soap stone....1/4x1/2 dimension to be used as a shim, spacer, scribe, or whatever.....also I sharpen longer than shorter and fine tip that way it doesn't dull the first line you make..
I have a pretty interesting question. In what circumstances would you use a worm drive saw versus circular saw and vis versa. What is the purpose of two different types of saws that as far as i know would be capable of doing the same job?
When you point the graphite on the pencil you let the now powdered graphite fall back into the retractable knife. This works as a great lubricant to keep your knife working really good. Also use the pencil led and rub it on combination squares and anything else that moves or slides.
Even today after many , many years I always make a chisel point on a pencil when working in wood so that the pencil highlights a line scribed by a marking knife or gauge. The chisel point of the pencil will last twice as long as a rounded pencil point. Good comments made, as well as a worthwhile explanation video.
I don't believe he was going for speed but I'm sure you are happy to have made it an imaginary competition for yourself against the great Wranglerstar. Hey, you do something better than him er go you are the better all around man!
my boss says anything longer then 20 seconds is to long to sharpening your pencil and not working , yes Dr Draws its that way in most of the construction industry
It's also a standard width so that the line the pencil makes is 1/8" away from the edge of the pencil so you can offset your straight edge by 1/8" when drawing a line and the width of the pencil is 1/4" for standard measuring purposes.
In France those pencils are used by builders who make bricks and concrete buildings, our carpenters use triangular pencils as they are mostly building only the roof part of the building and work with high angles. You can also find triangular pencils with a red and a blue core used by music conductors.
Hey wranglerstar, I'm in Argentina visiting my family and I found my (deceased) abuelo's hatchet. Could I send you the head to restore? This hatchet is a family keepsake and I can't find any competent ax restorers in my area in California.
Bill Bedsole Robertson Drive screws were invented by a Canadian chauvinist named Robertson . He had to die before the patent was allowed to be used in the USA.
Some row between Henry Ford, Phillips, and Robertson -- most likely due to excessive royalties/license demands. Phillips head screws are a vast improvement over slotted screws for machine installation so they were a good bit of tech in their day.
Bill Bedsole the square named Robertson head is a Canadian Patent driver and used in all manufacturing purposes from wood screws to small machine bolts it comes in 4 different sizes 0 to 3 also coulor coted yellow green red and black in proper order. it's actually the most commonly used driver in Canada.
in a pinch, instead of a compass to scribe a line you can use the pencil on the the flat side and scribe a line 1/4" to the point and use the narrow edge to scribe a 1/2" line to the point. This can all be finely tuned by the way sharpen the point.
I heard the reason why logging boots had to thick heel is because of the spikes they would put on to climb the tree it would help Cushing the your heel of your feet
I don't know how true it is but I was told by a more senior worker... That the pencil lead was shaped that way to show the kerf sizes of a handsaw (vertical side) & a powersaw (horizontal side) on the materials. Mind you...this is the same fella that tried to get me to fetch a "pipe stretcher" from the toolbox ;)
I did not watch, remembered this, and just now assumed it was so they don't roll (which would be very helpful). The chicken came before the egg, and a station wagon was the vehicle to take down to a supply station.
one day at home depot I say a cute yellow stanley carpenter pencil on the floor and my dad bought it for me, it is still new I should sharpen it since I'm making stuff around and marking things with a pen its just wrong and inefficient.
Scrubbing the pencil end on sandpaper removes the wood and sharpens the chisel point without stressing or weakening the graphite from an unsteady hand with a knife. (The way you used to sharpen popsicle sticks as a kid.)
As a master carpenter I knew why they were flat but had to click and watch I think I'm becoming codependent on Wranglerstar videos. Is their a support group ?
Just a quick photo tip, looks like your camera was auto-exposing for the dark table leaving the subject slightly over-exposed. It's no big deal the pencils weren't totally blown out, but a slight exposure adjustment, maybe lowering the iso or closing the aperture a bit would be a benefit as you should be exposing for the main subject. Great video though I can't wait to quiz someone on why the pencil isn't round!
Logging boots have the big hell on them for the same reason that electrical linemen have big heels on their boots. It has something to do with climbing poles or tree with climbing gaffs and spikes.
Yep it’s exactly 1/4 inch on one plane and exactly 1/2 inch on the other. If you ever need that spacing on any construction materiel it works fantastically.
Cant wait to hear about the logging boots! I have an idea, but i'm curious as to what you come up with. Decided to get a pair of Chippewas for work, and this first year has been wonderful!
Logging boots are like linemen boots your gaffs fit perfectly in the high heel and in digs in to the soft soil on hills and you can stand on round logs.
I always thought that it was because they don'n wear to a blunt point as quickly as a round pencil. An ordinary pencil wears very quickly when scibing on wood and other course surfaces.
Mr wranglerstar. Have you tried the softer lead woodworking pencils? As a builder i think them are great. I also like the pica assortment of "push" pens. Builders in America uses many different tools then we swedes.
I use a file to sharpen my carpenters pencils, and it works great! to me that one sharpened pencil you showed that you twist into to sharpen it doesn't look right, way too steep and looks like kind of a waste and maybe wouldn't last as long as it could have been because way to much material is being shaved off, so for me a file works amazing and much more precise
I view your videos as a way to relax and for enjoyment. I like the casual and informative approach. 7:43 is appropriate for this as you are talking and giving much more information and enjoyment. Just my opinion, others seem to vary.
I like the "OLD SCHOOL" way of sharping. It seems the hanson sharpener breaks the lead a lot when I use it. I am heavy handed though so it could be me.
I have never seen a carpenter’s pencil sharpened to a point! That looks hilarious! Also just a thought but putting a groove in your graphite would let you mark a fine line while being very visible if you use the center of the lines as your mark.
I learned the double line was made so when cutting the board, you cut along the unmarked center. This allows you to see the lines on each side and maintain a straight line. Learned this from my late great-uncle who was a cabinetmaker.
In my wood shop they made us draw two parralel lines where we wanted to cut and made us saw between the lines
The advantage to making the v-notch in a caprenter's pencil, is it allows you to make the parallel lines with one stroke of the pencil.
Exactly. The double line straddles the cut.
This.
Good history lesson with the flat Carpender pencil ✏️! I was hoping you would have them in your Wranglerstar store because the likelihood of most of us running into you or Mrs. W? Nice pencil 👍👍👍👍💙❤️
as a carpenter for years I leave one side of the pencil covered by wood except the very tip making the graphite much stronger, and it still leaves you with 3 sides you use. great video sir!
Going Off Grid thats how we do it in Scandinavia as well
you know what they say about great minds :D
Going Off Grid that is what I was thinking of doing, good idea
Longer lasting tip when put back in the toolbox.
One of the "long" sides, or one of the "short" sides? :)
Nice video. Brought back memories of helping my father with his woodworking when I was just a little girl he was injured in WW11 and did not have the use of his left arm, so I would sometimes help him and I remember watching him sharpen his carpenter pencil with his ever present pocketknife. He always found a way to get things done . Always loved the feel and smell of fresh cut wood.
Hi, Keep up the good work!
I have another explanation for why the pencil is that particular size.
Carpenter pencils, along with dimensional Lumber have suffered from the industry trying to make a buck. Rough cut 2x4s used to be 2"x4". Now they are 1 1/2x3 1/2. Same for the pencil. Originally they were 5/8" wide x 3/8" thick. Diagonally, chamfer to chamfer they measured 1/2". The reason for this is that they were used as a gauge before tape measures existed. Folding rules were used for long measurements. But that handy pencil (especially in pairs) was a quick way to space items equally. Like two under a window frame.
I don't know everything, but I got paid to make little ones out of big ones for almost 40 years.
Big heels on logging boots is for the climbing spurs.
The boot cuff is also doubled up on the sides and bottom to help foot fatigue.
Also most logging boots almost reach the knees for the legs strap to help stop raw and sore spots.
As well as being double layered up the inside to protect from splinters and accedently putting a 3 inch spur into you leg on a missed kick.
Not a logger but a electrician that was trained in power pole climbing.
Have not done it in 20 years or so so i am sure i missed something or got something wrong but that is the gist.
I tired this technique earlier and impressed my father inlaw who is a cabinet maker and general contractor was impressed I learned this trick off you when he was teaching to use a speed square and a miter saw. Thank you wranglerstar!
Flat pencils ride in your hat by your temple comfortably at the miter saw bench lolol
I am a carpenter apprentice because of you, and as i see, im still learning from you.
As you grow older you will realise that you will learn from someone every day. That is why you have two EARS and ONE mouth. Good luck
Pete Davis Thank you, yeah im looking forward to learn everything i can.
They work well to space 2x6 deck boards it makes a nice gap to wash all the dog fur and leafs threw. Your deck boards will last longer that way in the long run. Tip of the day
Yep, measuring 1/4 inch short side and 1/2 inch wider side.
@@ipedros7 That's misinformation because its not true. Take a tape measure to a carpenter's pencil and find out.
Thanks for the video tip! I put mine on my Work Sharp. It puts a great tip on the pencil. I've even tried it on my bench grinder. However, learning the skill of using your knife on that pencil is a valuable asset!
I am loving the new video titles! It's helpful when searching your videos.
Yes right on.
Awesome Pencil Trick Almost Died
Exactly!
so they won't roll off. they can also be used as a temporary spacer since their measurement is 1/4 X 1/2.
Josar Gor I hadn't thought of that!! Thanks!!
Josar Gor Yep, I always use them as sill shims when setting windows.
Yes, I was taught that too, they make a prefect fast spacer when laying 2x6 decks.
Other benefits of a flat pencil are: easier to sit on if its in your back pocket, fits in a binder better, and the kids are less likely to steal it for school ;D
they don't steal it cos they cant sharpen it with a normal sharpener or what?
that, and the other kids would give them funny looks using it in school ;D (teens ya know!)
WIN!
i agree, it does make it better in the pocket. any other things you find better about this pencil?
WTFarm Girl the kids are less likely to steal it is right..kkkk little sticky fingers, look in the bookbag if you need a pencil dad, why you upset?? In the bookbag are thirty and some broken pieces lmao..best fun ever having kids
Cody, good to see you back in your powerplace, since having been stressed out with Big projects around the homestead to a pencilvideo. I enjoyed it and I’m glad you found time doing it and to focus our attention from big things to smaller. Just great
My grandfather and father would scrub their pencils against sandpaper after they initially cut the point in that way to sharpen it as it wore down. They never cut on the pencil after the first time unless they broke the tip off completely. I never understood why until now, it kept them from undercutting the graphite and kept the wood progressing back with the point. Thank you Cody.
I was taught when properly used, makes a perfect contour tracing when you cope a molded profile. since the center of the mark is precisely 1/8" on the long side and 1/4" on the short side, it leaves very little ambiguity or waste in your trimming.
Another topic I have been learning about recently , I bought a collection of antique hand saws , well I was told DUE to shape and teeth configuration would determine what type it is .
It's also possible to use some hand saws to mark 45 and 90 degrees lines.
I am a little late to the game but I am an electrical Lineman and as far as the heels on our boots, we use them for extra space for our climbing gaffs so they won’t contact the ground while we walk from pole to pole ( I assume the same for loggers going tree to tree) along with the bottom of our hooks having a place to be without causing missteps.
Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?
Darin Cooper the term was parkway came about as the freeway it “parkway” was to be a general term the way to the park. As the the freeway is to the free of stop signs etc. the drive way is the road to the house.
Why do they call them apartments when they're so close together?
An apartment broken down in context is “ A part of a building ment for a single dwelling”
how does teflon stick to the pan , i thought it was non stick ?
Why did kamikazes wear helmets?
I'm a fairly young Carpenter but been in heritage for 15 years now and one more reason it is rectangle is for scribing along a surface for a cut line. The beveled edges makes it glide on the surface and depending on how it is sharpened you can scribe off from 1/8" right up to 1/2" to make for a nice contoured cut to a rough surface
I just got about 6 of these flat pencils from a local "home & garden" show. I always though how did you get them sharp like a regular pencil. So, now I know. I've got a bunch of them to practice on now.
Did you hear about the carpenter on the job that had an accident and had his ear cut off. They rushed him to the hospital and were going to sew his ear back on. The carpenter said that's not my ear, my ear had a pencil behind it
I've also used these pencils as a straight edge to connect points. Depending on the length of the pencil haha. I've been a carpenter for 16 years and only use these. Thanks for the video Cody
Also, when you jam it in your tool pouch in one of the pockets, the sides of the pencil bottom out before the tip does. A round pencil tip would be broken when you retrieve it most of the time. A sturdy mechanical pencil works well too, especially the three sided ones. Great video!
I had always "assumed" it was just a much stronger more durable pencil so it is better able to stand up to marking wood instead of paper like it's less stout cousin (the school pencil). The not rolling away makes sense too though.
I think tall heels on logging boots are for climbing gear. They keep the spikes in place when they wrap around the bottom of your boot. Also you won't be stepping on them when walking.
Great video as always. I was taught that they are also flat so that they would lay flat against a straight edge and give you a cleaner line right on the marks against the straight edge.
Another question about logging boots . . . why do they have that leather flap where the laces meet the crown of the lower part of the boot?
@3:35 i don't know, but i'll take a stab at it, and i'd say that the double line gives you better visualization of where to cut. It's easier to stick to the line in between two lines, than to follow one line? IDK...
Yep. When sawing with a hand saw you can easily sight on both sides instead of just one.
Two sides- adjacent - short cuts.
Two sides- remaining- longer cuts.
Short sides support the point, longer sides allow for thighter/ more accurate mark.
My dad showed me how to sharpen them like that with a pocket knife as sharpeners weren't available for those type. Didn't know about the reason for the flat shape. A wide tip like that works for calligraphy. Which my Dad also did.
The old timers used to tell me it's so they dont roll away when you set them down. Fact is, the shape works great for scribing!
I grew up in the trades and was taught to use the razor knife method but never thought about or wondered why. Thanks.
Wooden folding rulers. Are they just the precursor to tape measures or do they have a specific purpose?
I plan one side the the pencil so that I can rest the planed surface on a board and transfer the line to another. Helps for modeling work and dove tails. Never measure if you can help it.
its also approximately a 1/4 inch which is great for deck board spacing and the wider is around 5/8th if that helps
Why is the tape measure upside down when I'm measuring? It seems like they are designed for left handed people. I know they make tape measures that flip the numbers over so that they are right side up for me, but they are more expensive.
I saw that Carpenters pencils where made 1/4" think and 1/2" wide for quick measuring tasks. However I have yet to find one what actual fits those specs. So idk, just wanted to share.
I think another reason that the graphite is square is that originally leads were made from solid graphite and the only way to separate it was to cleave it and Carpenters wanted a stronger less breakable lead so instead of square as in regular pencils they made it rectangular manufactured lead with Clay binders was developed in the early 19th century.
Also when sliding the pencil along a surface on "the Flat" you can instantly scribe an 1/8" offset line on a material set 90 degrees, on "the edge" scribe line 1/4" (BTW only a yutz puts a round point on a flat pencil)
I've been trying to prototype a pencil sharpener that does this for a loooong time! When I used to work with my grandpa I'd get annoyed at how often the super fine tips would snap off, and started always just using a knife to sharpen my pencil without even realizing why I was doing it. 3 years, an expensive 3d printer, and some expert consulting later, and I have something that almost does exactly what I want. At first it seems like an easy concept, but there are so many complex movements and pressure changes involved in getting this sort of tip on a carpenters pencil.
The double line is for cutting in between the 2 gaped lines and you can be a left handed or right handed cutting it and still be on the right spot .
Can use as a shim 1/4 and 1/2. Easier to scribe with. I personally like a really sharp pencil so I use a round one. Have a pencil sharpener mounted in the van and you are by it several times a day
I believe logger's have tall heels so that you can kick things lose, I've found them useful for kicking off heavy trailer hitches, they also aid in bracing a limb with your foot to cut it. And if walking over limbs you are probably less likely to slip, the also provide a little more arch support in my opinion, it also looks good. They can also help with climbing as many linemean will tell you. I often use the front of the heel to kick or move things, or the space between the heel and the foresole to wedge my foot onto something. Loggers feel safer to wear when logging then a regular 6 inch boot in my experience.
old timer told me they were made to be sharpened by a chisel
What I would use the double line v groove for is to make two lines to show an area to cut in between.
Perfect deck board spacing and most importantly you can make a fat line and then remeasure and find out exactly where to cut. Left, right or center of the line. Something you cant do as easily with a regular pencil. You know that saying measure twice cut once well the first measurement you mark the piece and then once its marked you can then accurately cut left right or center. Two of the most important uses for this pencil not mentioned.
So they won’t roll off the table
Doug Haines that's what I thought
Doug Haines that’s what hexagonal pencils are for
Tankieguy Lol, They still roll
Day Of War true
Or the roof, rafter, joist, etc.
when I'm doing carpentry, I use the chisel to sharpen the pencil. It has a double use as if the hone on the chisel is dulled then the sharpen of the pencil is a good indicator before use that the chisel needs honing, sometimes the chisel may appear sharp but that fine edge that you need to get a nice cut can be dull especially if like me you only do carpentry on a ad hoc basis and even though all my tools are put away after they have been sharpened or set ready for use, it doesn't stop our boy or or the grand children using them without me knowing and dulling them up. [fact of life, if it belongs to me, then in their eyes its there for their use as well.] The second thing is you get a nice sharpened pencil to work with ; )
It's also a 1/4 in. × 1/2 in. and if you lay it flat and make a mark you get an 1/8 in. Bigger mark than the work your slidding it on !! Very useful for adding a blade thickness !!
Rather than pushing with your thumb, take the knife in your non dominant hand, extend the arm and lock the elbow, then pull the pencil toward your body. It gives you a straight cut rather than a concave one. Also allows for better control of the twist.
wow. i had a dad who worked construction all his life and grandfather too who showed him everything and never did i ever ask nor did he offer to tell me this simple but interesting fact about flat pencils. that little tidbit of trivia just made me realize that sorry to confess that awkward detail but man its little stuff like that that makes me so upset i never learned as much as i could have from them
I actually use both, a round and a flat pencil. The flat pencil for 95% of all work. The round I use for fine work such as finish cabinetry and trim work.
I could also see cutting the v-groove in the graphite would be good for pattern making. Two lines, one for the actual part shape, the outer line as the preliminary cut line on say a bandsaw. Now I need to try this, I am so used to using mechanical 9mm pencils.
My grandpa was a life long carpenter he only finished 8th grade went to WW2 as a medic came back and started a business in Construction. Anyways he taught me to use a knife to sharpen a pencil I just recently learned about the sharpener for a carpenter pencil.
Basically the same as a welders soap stone....1/4x1/2 dimension to be used as a shim, spacer, scribe, or whatever.....also I sharpen longer than shorter and fine tip that way it doesn't dull the first line you make..
I have a pretty interesting question. In what circumstances would you use a worm drive saw versus circular saw and vis versa. What is the purpose of two different types of saws that as far as i know would be capable of doing the same job?
When you point the graphite on the pencil you let the now powdered graphite fall back into the retractable knife. This works as a great lubricant to keep your knife working really good. Also use the pencil led and rub it on combination squares and anything else that moves or slides.
Even today after many , many years I always make a chisel point on a pencil when working in wood so that the pencil highlights a line scribed by a marking knife or gauge. The chisel point of the pencil will last twice as long as a rounded pencil point.
Good comments made, as well as a worthwhile explanation video.
I would get fired if it took me that long to sharpen a pencil. lol!!
I don't believe he was going for speed but I'm sure you are happy to have made it an imaginary competition for yourself against the great Wranglerstar. Hey, you do something better than him er go you are the better all around man!
my boss says anything longer then 20 seconds is to long to sharpening your pencil and not working , yes Dr Draws its that way in most of the construction industry
Sharpen a bunch before work
It's also a standard width so that the line the pencil makes is 1/8" away from the edge of the pencil so you can offset your straight edge by 1/8" when drawing a line and the width of the pencil is 1/4" for standard measuring purposes.
In France those pencils are used by builders who make bricks and concrete buildings, our carpenters use triangular pencils as they are mostly building only the roof part of the building and work with high angles. You can also find triangular pencils with a red and a blue core used by music conductors.
Hey wranglerstar, I'm in Argentina visiting my family and I found my (deceased) abuelo's hatchet. Could I send you the head to restore? This hatchet is a family keepsake and I can't find any competent ax restorers in my area in California.
Why r the handles on traditional splitting mauls straight is it so it can be flipped over and used as a sledgehammer
I want to know why square or star drive screws aren't more common when the heads don't strip nearly as easily as phillips screws! :-P
Bill Bedsole Robertson Drive screws were invented by a Canadian chauvinist named Robertson . He had to die before the patent was allowed to be used in the USA.
Torx my maaaan
Some row between Henry Ford, Phillips, and Robertson -- most likely due to excessive royalties/license demands. Phillips head screws are a vast improvement over slotted screws for machine installation so they were a good bit of tech in their day.
Bill Bedsole the square named Robertson head is a Canadian Patent driver and used in all manufacturing purposes from wood screws to small machine bolts it comes in 4 different sizes 0 to 3 also coulor coted yellow green red and black in proper order. it's actually the most commonly used driver in Canada.
Oke dan gozer
in a pinch, instead of a compass to scribe a line you can use the pencil on the the flat side and scribe a line 1/4" to the point and use the narrow edge to scribe a 1/2" line to the point. This can all be finely tuned by the way sharpen the point.
I heard the reason why logging boots had to thick heel is because of the spikes they would put on to climb the tree it would help Cushing the your heel of your feet
I don't know how true it is but I was told by a more senior worker...
That the pencil lead was shaped that way to show the kerf sizes of a handsaw (vertical side) & a powersaw (horizontal side) on the materials.
Mind you...this is the same fella that tried to get me to fetch a "pipe stretcher" from the toolbox ;)
Wow! I've been around for 65 years and you never stop learning something new. Makes perfect sense.
I did not watch, remembered this, and just now assumed it was so they don't roll (which would be very helpful). The chicken came before the egg, and a station wagon was the vehicle to take down to a supply station.
one day at home depot I say a cute yellow stanley carpenter pencil on the floor and my dad bought it for me, it is still new I should sharpen it since I'm making stuff around and marking things with a pen its just wrong and inefficient.
Scrubbing the pencil end on sandpaper removes the wood and sharpens the chisel point without stressing or weakening the graphite from an unsteady hand with a knife. (The way you used to sharpen popsicle sticks as a kid.)
Germans have recently come up with a really great version of this Cody. It's a piece of graphite wrapped in string.
Can be used as a crude scribe too with the thin side towards the wall .
As a master carpenter I knew why they were flat but had to click and watch
I think I'm becoming codependent on Wranglerstar videos. Is their a support group ?
No I did not know that, but as a technician the struggle is real when a socket or bolt rolls away especially when it does not land on the floor.
I’ve always been told to sharpen the “the correct way”. Honestly never knew there was a special sharpener for it until watching this video.
New guy on the job accidentally breaks his nice sharpened pencil, proceeds to spend 15 minutes of work time sharpening his pencil again
Why is it almost always righty tighty, lefty loosey and not the opposite? How did that originate and become standardized?
Just a quick photo tip, looks like your camera was auto-exposing for the dark table leaving the subject slightly over-exposed. It's no big deal the pencils weren't totally blown out, but a slight exposure adjustment, maybe lowering the iso or closing the aperture a bit would be a benefit as you should be exposing for the main subject. Great video though I can't wait to quiz someone on why the pencil isn't round!
Before watching; I think so it can be used as a spacer/measuring guage.
Well I was wrong but I do use it for that.
I’ve been frustrated by three prong (ground fault) electrical plugs not accepting two prong devices.
The pencils are also perfect for measuring the spacing between boards for any outside constructions made.
Logging boots have the big hell on them for the same reason that electrical linemen have big heels on their boots. It has something to do with climbing poles or tree with climbing gaffs and spikes.
Yep it’s exactly 1/4 inch on one plane and exactly 1/2 inch on the other. If you ever need that spacing on any construction materiel it works fantastically.
Cant wait to hear about the logging boots! I have an idea, but i'm curious as to what you come up with. Decided to get a pair of Chippewas for work, and this first year has been wonderful!
Why do some circular saws have the blade on the right side instead of the left? For leftys?
Logging boots are like linemen boots your gaffs fit perfectly in the high heel and in digs in to the soft soil on hills and you can stand on round logs.
Used that auto sharpener once and threw it out...kept breaking the tip and the pencils didn't last nearly as long. Good video Cody!
Always fun to listen to explanations of carpentry tools! Interested about the boots too! :)
I always thought that it was because they don'n wear to a blunt point as quickly as a round pencil. An ordinary pencil wears very quickly when scibing on wood and other course surfaces.
Mr wranglerstar. Have you tried the softer lead woodworking pencils? As a builder i think them are great. I also like the pica assortment of "push" pens. Builders in America uses many different tools then we swedes.
I use a file to sharpen my carpenters pencils, and it works great! to me that one sharpened pencil you showed that you twist into to sharpen it doesn't look right, way too steep and looks like kind of a waste and maybe wouldn't last as long as it could have been because way to much material is being shaved off, so for me a file works amazing and much more precise
When sharpening do like you said, but the narrow side first. It doesn't take as much force. I like your videos
Aren’t they also 1/4x1/2” for a quick spacer guide?
I view your videos as a way to relax and for enjoyment. I like the casual and informative approach. 7:43 is appropriate for this as you are talking and giving much more information and enjoyment. Just my opinion, others seem to vary.
Hello. A program on how to maintain and service a Chopper one splitting axe. I think that would make a good topic.
I like the "OLD SCHOOL" way of sharping. It seems the hanson sharpener breaks the lead a lot when I use it. I am heavy handed though so it could be me.
I have never seen a carpenter’s pencil sharpened to a point! That looks hilarious! Also just a thought but putting a groove in your graphite would let you mark a fine line while being very visible if you use the center of the lines as your mark.
Also it the same thickness as you're saw blade, easy to see. Round pencil is to thin sometimes, and can be easily wiped away.