Any tips for scribing lines on hardned steel?

[REK Knives]

my digital caliper won't scratch the surface like I need it to... wondering what you guys use? Something like this w/ a carbide pen? I don't really want to fork out the $ a carbide tipped caliper ($350-400) but will if I have to I guess.

 

[NC Biker]

My cheapo digital calipers from harbor freight work fine, but I coat the surface with Dykem first. This gives a high contrast between the dark blue dye and the shiny surface below once scratched. No need to scratch into the hardened metal, I just scratch the dykem away. Works for me, but YMMV.

 

[REK Knives]

Thanks man, does dykem work even when wet? I grind under coolant which is why sharpie's don't work... great idea on this!

 

[NC Biker]

Not sure about coolant. I grind wet, but with water and and have no problems.

 

[NC Biker]

Still not sure about standard Dykem, but they make a "Dykem Tuff Guy Marker" that is described as highly resistant to coolant. Might be something for you to try.

 

[REK Knives]

Ok i'm gonna try the blue layout fluid first and see how that works, I'm sure it will be fine if it holds up to water ok. How do you remove it when done, w/ acetone?

 

[NC Biker]

Ok i'm gonna try the blue layout fluid first and see how that works, I'm sure it will be fine if it holds up to water ok. How do you remove it when done, w/ acetone?

Yep, acetone does the trick.

 

[Pittknife]

I use a height gauge with a carbide tip, it will engrave any steel

 

[REK Knives]

I use a height gauge with a carbide tip, it will engrave any steel

Awesome, do you have a link to the one you use?

 

[Pittknife]

Awesome, do you have a link to the one you use?

This is the one I got, also bought the extra inserts, it works great and I can easily find center and offset. http://www.shars.com/products/measuring/height-gages/18-electronic-height-gage

You don't have to buy the digital, the analog is much cheaper.