The Lowdown on Custom Carpenters' Pencils

Whether you work for a major retail chain or a home improvement store, you'll want to use visit . Why? Pencils will allow you to get a precise angle on all of your projects and drawings. You can get just the right angle on all of your shingles, siding, sashes, moldings, trim and everything else that needs to be perfectly in place. Custom pencils will also allow you to create fine lines and wrinkles that are impossible with a regular pencil.

How do you pick out the right ones? First, ask your supplier what their current stock is. You should also be able to see a few samples when you visit their showroom. The staff at the showroom should be more than helpful in letting you select the right pencil for your project. You should also look for a wood that is known for its stability. Alder and maple are two woods that are especially stable and are known for their solidity.

What should you look for in a wood grain? A high grain should give you nice smooth edges. You should also find a wood that is decay and insect resistant. Some woods don't last as long, however, because they don't have good drainage and aren't naturally insect-resistant. This doesn't mean they aren't good woods-it simply means you'll need to keep them properly maintained to ensure they'll hold up through many years of hard use.

Can you get discounts on carpenter's pencils? Yes, there are many places where you can buy discounted wood. Check out garage sales, secondhand stores and good newspaper ads. You'll also want to keep your eyes peeled for seasonal sales at your local home improvement center. Just because you're buying a specific brand doesn't mean you'll always pay top dollar; just look for sales.

Can you order custom made pencils? Yes, you can. There are companies that will do custom orders for you. You'll give them the measurements of the work you want, and they'll tell you how many you need. You'll be able to choose between graphite or steel, for example. They'll cut the wood for you, and you can select your finishes (copper or oil).

Are there other options besides wood? Of course there are. You could ask the company you're buying from if they'd consider using a composite wood instead of pure wood. Some pencils are made with a combination of materials. If you've got a client who's allergic to latex, for example, it could be beneficial for you to know that some pencils use a rubber compound called Talalay.

How about the value? Custom carpenter's pencils aren't all that expensive. But you should still ask how much they'll let you save by cutting your own wood. Make sure that your provider gives you a detailed cost estimate when you agree to a custom order.

Are there any other benefits? Yes, there are. Many custom carpenters companies will give you a free set of plans (and often a free estimate) once you've agreed to a custom order. This means you'll avoid purchasing wood and spending valuable time choosing and planning what you're going to do.

How about warranties? Yes, they have warranties. In addition to offering support for a long time after you've bought your equipment, these warranties will cover mechanical problems as well as cosmetic defects for a limited time.

Can you get discounts? Yes, you can. Many providers offer special deals at their stores or online. For example, you can purchase a set of supplies at a deep discount online.

Are there additional charges? Yes, there are. Most companies charge for shipping. However, if you're an excellent woodworker, you may find that this shipping is much cheaper than the price of your raw materials.

As you can see, the sky's the limit when it comes to custom carpenters. Choose your supplier carefully and make sure they're experienced and dedicated to excellence. You'll pay more up front but you'll also be saving money in the long run. Also, remember that you have the option of going with the cheapest price available. Just be sure that you're comfortable with their service and satisfaction level before purchasing anything from them.