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Sheet Metal Products - marking guage/scratcher question

sheetmental - Feb 06, 2005 - 02:04 PM
Post subject: marking guage/scratcher question

stanley used to make a marking guage that was adjustable, up to 4"
it had 2 posts, graduated in 16ths, with a pin on the end, and they were secured by a knurled screw as they passed through a cast plate. it's kinda hard to describe what i mean. anyhow, they stopped making them, and i really liked them. i have seen them for wood, and was wondering if any of you folks knew of a similar product that is still available. i have christmas trees, but i hate them. i have made some out of small pieces of stainless, but new guys always throw them away thinking they are scrap. what do you guys use?

steve2 - Feb 06, 2005 - 02:35 PM
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What the heck is a "christmas tree"? I use an adjustable gauge made by Malco (short for malcontent?) that is double ended with one half of the gauge a sliding adjustable piece that is secured at the desired width by a set screw. One of these adjustable pieces on each end of the gauge allowing you to have two set scribe widths on one piece. This is a different gauge than the one that uses a sheet metal screw for a scribe point. Othere than that, I make gauges for standard widths ( 1/2, 3/4, etc) one on each corner of a rectangular piece of stout scrap. Sounds like a perfect training opportunity for you to teach the new guys just what is going on.

steve2 - Feb 06, 2005 - 02:39 PM
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No, no, no. I don't mean "secured with a set screw". I meant to say the adjustable side of the gauge was secured with a thumb screw.

Later

Bud - Feb 06, 2005 - 03:00 PM
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Malco makes one similar, but I prefer the Mc Marker by McKay Brothers Inc. There out of Wichita, KS. I'll get a picture up in a bit. They used to cost about 25.00 (1 year ago) Their phone # is 316-838-8411.
The designer of this is a contractor himself. From what I know, he's retiring soon from contracting and will be using these to supplement his income. They're worth every penny,my opinion, even if they did go up in cost a bit since then.

McKay Brothers
3738 N. Seneca
Wichita KS 67204

steve2 - Feb 06, 2005 - 05:28 PM
Post subject: Marking gauges

Here is a picture of the gauges I was trying to describe earlier. They are marked Cain Manufacturing, Birmingham Alabama, not MALCOntent.

pricer - Feb 06, 2005 - 10:49 PM
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steve2 wrote:

Here is a picture of the gauges I was trying to describe earlier. They are marked Cain Manufacturing, Birmingham Alabama, not MALCOntent.

Malco makes the "Christmas tree" scribe the gentelman was reffering to. Check the Malco site and you will see what I am talking about. Mc Marker is good stuff. Malco makes another scribe that has a range from 1/4" to 12 " thats the one I use. I do use the Cain's version if its handy.

pricer - Feb 06, 2005 - 11:01 PM
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If I understand right, this is the christmas tree.

Bud - Feb 06, 2005 - 11:09 PM
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I want to order the one Steve has. Ok where from? The tree looks handy as well.

pricer - Feb 06, 2005 - 11:13 PM
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We get those scribes like Steve has from local supply house. I think they are just a few bucks. I will gather some up and send them to you. They are made a couple hundred miles north from me.

BobLuland - Feb 07, 2005 - 01:33 AM
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Chrismas tree was free at one time. One in every boxof every thing DD made. The problem with all above is the face plates are not hardend. Just run any of them down a plasma edge.

steve2 - Feb 07, 2005 - 04:24 AM
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Yes in fact they must be close to you, Pricer. They don't cost too much. Maybe you can line us all up for some. The ones I make (which are sort of like the christmas tree) are always free.

pricer - Feb 08, 2005 - 03:08 AM
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steve2 wrote:

Yes in fact they must be close to you, Pricer. They don't cost too much. Maybe you can line us all up for some. The ones I make (which are sort of like the christmas tree) are always free.

I will see what I can round up and let you know something soon.

metalbelle - Feb 09, 2005 - 03:48 AM
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we use those scribes in our shop. its a stanley #91. matter of fact theres one on ebay now. item# 6153044933. since they no longer make these we sometime buy them on ebay.

MP

sheetmental - Feb 13, 2005 - 11:48 AM
Post subject:

Bud wrote:

Malco makes one similar, but I prefer the Mc Marker by McKay Brothers Inc. There out of Wichita, KS. I'll get a picture up in a bit. They used to cost about 25.00 (1 year ago) Their phone # is 316-838-8411.
The designer of this is a contractor himself. From what I know, he's retiring soon from contracting and will be using these to supplement his income. They're worth every penny,my opinion, even if they did go up in cost a bit since then.

McKay Brothers
3738 N. Seneca
Wichita KS 67204

yes! that is what i am looking for! i saw the actual stanley one on line, i was gonna bid on it but the price is already about at the limit i would pay for one used in great shape. the mc marker is cool, i will call them and get some.
thanks for the heads up, one and all.

Bart2d2 - Feb 15, 2005 - 06:33 PM
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We actually bought some single markers with the graduated posts (dont recall where we bought - McMaster Carr maybe) and took our old stanley to a machine shop and had them replicate us 3 or 4. Used the posts out of the ones we bought in the machined bodys.
Otherwise, yes, I too occasionally search ebay for good deals on these markers

pricer - Feb 17, 2005 - 12:36 AM
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I just got the McMaster Carr scribe. It is made General. The scale is a bit hard to read for me, bu I am sure in time, after a bit of wear, it will read just fine.

bordontn - Feb 17, 2005 - 03:15 AM
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I'm all for the X-mas tree scribe..Made mine from stainless and added a 1 3/8" for pittsburg and a 1/4"
for 1/4" bend..Handy as a pocket on a shirt for laying out fittings...One horse town/no plasma or water jet Sad

bordontn

Bart2d2 - Nov 08, 2006 - 12:25 AM
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We have several of the Stanleys, though we used to have lots more (they disappear over time :/ ). We did the same thing with the Generals from McMaster Carr and a machine shop fabricating a double poster. Did find someone making a double poster though:

http://www.benoitsheetmetal.com/product ... _Id=166862

danski0224 - Nov 11, 2006 - 04:01 PM
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I like the Wimco scriber myself.

legacy - Nov 12, 2006 - 03:38 PM
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We have a few of the durodyne "christmas tree" type scribes laying around the shop. As Bob pointed outm they used to be free in rolls of flex connetor. I choose to do what Bordontn says and make my own out of 16g stainless scrap. It tales two or three minutes to layout and cut, and they last a while. We have ones that range from 1/4" up through 4" I believe.

Dan

Anok - Nov 14, 2006 - 04:41 AM
Post subject: scribes found

I've been searching for the same as well. here in Canada their expensive if you can find them. So i've been buying online.

Harry J. Epstein Co
http://www.harryepstein.com/sheetmetaltools.htm
Single barrel scribe $9.45...

I found this next site to be excellent for their wing dividers. I bought the 6" & 12"...brought them to the shop ...now everyone has them.( should get some commission Smile

)
Hartville Tool
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11532

..I've seen a double barrel scribe on the web somewhere can't find it now...but it was $53.00!!!

tinman9765 - Nov 16, 2006 - 06:56 AM
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I use a stanley, double post, can't recall the model number, only problem I have is a plasma edge really chews them up.

Hazardousal - Nov 26, 2006 - 07:44 PM
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My old boss had one of those old staneleys, always wanted to get one.

But alas I've had to make do witha $5.00 malco christmas tree, (lost my free Duro dyne one) and a combination square with a scratch awl.

Till Then...

Al.

brogoski - Nov 27, 2006 - 06:28 PM
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Try ebay I've seen them on there before.

tinman9765 - Nov 30, 2006 - 05:56 AM
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looked at the model number on the stanley
47-091
I believe it is also refered to as a number 91

tintailor - May 30, 2007 - 10:15 PM
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excuse me for passing a comment, reading with interest the articles regarding scratch gauges, several members here are all singing the praises of various manufacturers of such items, am I being non sensitive but I thought all Sheetmetals workers would manufacture their own, stainless steel christmas trees are ok but as already commented they at times are mistaken for scrap off cuts by non skilled staff, the other just a piece of 2inch x 2 inch x 3/8 inch flat bar drilled say 13/64 inch dia off centre with another hole drilled adjacent to be tapped say 1/4inch then tapped for a suitable set screw then a piece of 3/8 inch dia rod drilled one end to accomodate a scribing point an old drill ground to a point this can be retained with a small set screw, or alternatively use a PK screw, self tapping screw which is manufactured from tool steel very hard and already with a durable scribing point, the only draw back with this gauge is that if scratching sheetmetal that has been cut with a plasma torch in time you will wear a furrow in the 2inch x 2 inch x 3/8 flat bar thereby losing accuracy, if flat bar not available then a scratch gauge can be made using 18g stainless steel using 2 off strips say 8 inches long x 3/4 inch folding to make 2 angles 8 inches long 3/8 x 3/8 then a pice of S.S about 3 inches square with 3/8 folded square on one side on this side drill a hole to accomodate a nut and bolt, now a little welding either tig or spot just weld 2 pieces of S.S sheet at either end of the 2 angles now you have a length of channel 8 inches long with a slot down the length stopping at the 2 S.S pieces, whilst you have the welder set up tack weld the nut to the inside of the 3 inch sq S.S now it is a simple matter of finding a large enough washer to keep the channel secured or free running against the 3 inch sq.plate using the screw to retain and lock, and very quickly a scriber if you have a friendly dentist ask him for an old dental cleaning probe, you know the piece of metal they use when either cleaning or filling your teeth you will discover that when sharpened to a point they will give very good service as a scriber, but dont get a round one circular they have a terrible habbit of rolling off the work bench and with my luck always fall into the scrap bin, I hope this little information is of some use to somebody

rothalion - Jun 24, 2007 - 09:13 PM
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We have one of the christmas tree ones, why doesn't it have a spot for 3/4"? I never use the tool but one of the guys asked me to find the 3/4 mark and I don't see one. Its a bit odd.

TheDuctWhisperer - Jul 04, 2007 - 04:31 PM
Post subject: Adjustable slide scribe

You guys should check out the Wimsco adjustable slide scribe. Its the best thing since sliced sheet metal. Adjustable from 1/4" to 5". Its quick and easy, and I would be totally lost without it. I don't have a picture of it right now, but I will post one eventually. Usually costs about 12 dollars. Its just faster than anything else and deadly accurate.

DMNyankee - Feb 21, 2008 - 02:44 AM
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I have a xmas tree type that I made from a piece of scrap stainless that ranges from 1/4 to 1 1/2 in 1/8 increments. It fits nicely in my pouch while I'm up on the roof and it's about 3 yrs. old and free. just drill a hole in the piece where the cuts meet to prevent tweaking, hem the top edge, and go. When this one wears out, I'll make another one and it won't cost me anything but 10 minutes.

JonaLittle - Apr 09, 2008 - 04:48 PM
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Here is one double gauge I've found online...http://www.benoitsheetmetal.com/whatsnew_detail.asp?id=523
The company is out of Washington and their prices are higher than most others when selling compairable products, or atleast they used to be when I lived up there.

zagman - Apr 10, 2008 - 03:13 AM
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My vote is for the Mc Marker. It's a little pricey but it's the only one you'll ever have to buy. The Cain scriber is a favorite of mine as well. It works well in the field. Small and compact, fits easily into any tool box.