Marking on Copper Sheet

Precision can be important when performing detailed work on metal.  When drilling holes in a straight line, or creating a symmetrical pattern, I must draft the design first.

Dividers are a great tool for precise measuring because of their very fine endpoints.  They firmly hold an exact distance, and can easily be adjusted.

Caution: sharp!

A scribe is good for etching marks on the metal.  I use a scribe when drawing a line to be cut or when placing a dot for drilling.  Removing scribed lines requires a lot of sanding:  first with a coarse sandpaper and progressing through higher grit (smoother) sizes.

Carbide scribe & adjustable dividers

Rulers with millimeter notations are also helpful.

Useful hash marks

Pencil and sharpie are good alternatives to a scribe when lines and markings are required for visual aid. They last long enough in my experience to finish a task, yet remove easily from the metal with only a light sanding.

Intersecting pencil lines allow me to determine where to drill.