by Ian_425 » 21 Aug 2016 12:57
So I have tried a lot of things to try and get my templates to stick to metal while I am making my picks. Some attempts have worked, some haven't. Nothing worse than hitting the grinding wheel dunking the metal to quench and watching that sharpie mark start to run and get lighter with each dip. This one isn't usually too horrible of a problem for me sense a do most of my work with files. Either way, I have four methods that I have found to work pretty well.
1. Sharpie - yes, I know, it tends to run. The trick on this first one is to use a hair dryer, hold it over that sharpie template until the metal gets hot, I usually touch it to see if it is uncomfortable to touch and then call it good. Let it cool and go to work
2. Sharpie Improved - follow the steps in #1 and once it cools, spray an acrylic clear coat (spray can from the hardware or automotive store) over it. Will not run for sure now. The clear coat comes off very easily once you start the finishing process with some sand paper.
3. Paper on metal - for this one, I cut out a paper template, use a glue stick to put it on the metal. Not very secure like that, but add the acrylic clear coat from #2, and it make a great template to work with.
4. The last one is a different version of #3. For those of you that have wives with one of those printers that cut vinyl. Some of them have the ability to cut custom shapes in the exact dimensions you specify, such as a pick template from online. Have it cut out your templates, one side of the vinyl is sticky. Stick the template right on the metal. Apply the acrylic clear coat from #2 and #3. Do your grinding, do your finishing, and the metal will be totally clean.
Hopefully this helps a couple of people that have been struggling with runny sharpie.
Ian
