On Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:16:59 -0800, "Michael Koblic"
wrote:
snip
2) I have *two* bright lights at the machine but still could not see the
damn lines! I think the surface of the scrap piece of metal had something to
snip

Are you using layout dye [dykem]? This makes a big
difference when trying to see the fine layout lines. Also
for precision work you will need a smooth flat machined
surface.
for some examples see
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...&PARTPG=INLMK3
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...&PARTPG=INLMK3
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...&PARTPG=INLMK3
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?P...&PARTPG=INSRIT


Most shops use blue but red traditionally was supposed to
work better on brass. I have used red and blue on aluminum,
brass and steel and can't see any difference.

Most any mill supply should stock. The thinner the coat of
layout dye and the thinner the layout lines [i.e. the
sharper the scriber] the better.


-- Unka George (George McDuffee)
...............................
The past is a foreign country;
they do things differently there.
L. P. Hartley (1895-1972), British author.
The Go-Between, Prologue (1953).