I have an old B&S #19 0-1" micrometer that is hard to read. The
numbers have been partially obscured because the metal has darkened
with age (and abuse by a former owner).

I lightly sanded the dark areas but it wasn't enough to bring out the
engraved numbers. I then used a magic marker to fill in the
engravings. That helped for awhile but it turns out that the
"permanent" designation on the magic marker isn't quite accurate.The
black color quickly disappeared.

So I'm looking for suggestions on what coloring agent to use instead.


Gary

On Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:52:02 -0700, scribed:

I have an old B&S #19 0-1" micrometer that is hard to read. The
numbers have been partially obscured because the metal has darkened
with age (and abuse by a former owner).

I lightly sanded the dark areas but it wasn't enough to bring out the
engraved numbers. I then used a magic marker to fill in the
engravings. That helped for awhile but it turns out that the
"permanent" designation on the magic marker isn't quite accurate.The
black color quickly disappeared.

So I'm looking for suggestions on what coloring agent to use instead.


Gary

Hi Gary:

We used to use a black "minwax" type/style pencil to enhance the
vernier etchings, was pretty robust and lasted for quite a while. If
you sanded the etching too shallow though, you may need to get a new
barrel or thimble.

How old is the tool?

Fred

wrote:
I have an old B&S #19 0-1" micrometer that is hard to read. The
numbers have been partially obscured because the metal has darkened
with age (and abuse by a former owner).

I lightly sanded the dark areas but it wasn't enough to bring out the
engraved numbers. I then used a magic marker to fill in the
engravings. That helped for awhile but it turns out that the
"permanent" designation on the magic marker isn't quite accurate.The
black color quickly disappeared.

So I'm looking for suggestions on what coloring agent to use instead.


Gary


Use some instant bluing (gun blue, Walmart, or a gun shop)

Apply it only around the numbers and lines area. No need to be too tidy.

Chuck the thimble in the lathe or a drill press, and use a bit of fine
sandpaper to clean off the excess.

Oil and enjoy!

Cheers
Trevor Jones

On Aug 24, 9:52 am, wrote:
I have an old B&S #19 0-1" micrometer that is hard to read. The
numbers have been partially obscured because the metal has darkened
with age (and abuse by a former owner).

I lightly sanded the dark areas but it wasn't enough to bring out the
engraved numbers. I then used a magic marker to fill in the
engravings. That helped for awhile but it turns out that the
"permanent" designation on the magic marker isn't quite accurate.The
black color quickly disappeared.

So I'm looking for suggestions on what coloring agent to use instead.

Gary

The Stuff to use is a lacquer stick. Comes in a variety of colors,
you rub it in the engraved or stamped markings, let it set up and wipe
off the excess. Brownell's has it. Looks like a large crayon, best
kept in a sealed container when not in use. As permanent as such
stuff gets.

Stan

wrote:


The Stuff to use is a lacquer stick. Comes in a variety of colors,
you rub it in the engraved or stamped markings, let it set up and wipe
off the excess. Brownell's has it. Looks like a large crayon, best
kept in a sealed container when not in use. As permanent as such
stuff gets.


Mcmasters has it also. 2018T2 http://tinyurl.com/ypy62j

Thanks Stan, I've been looking for something like that also.

Wes