Who else uses good pens and pencils to do their work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preferences for writing instruments, specifically mechanical pencils and pens, among participants who engage in engineering, drafting, and physics-related work. Participants share their experiences and recommendations regarding various brands and models, emphasizing the importance of quality tools in their work processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a preference for high-quality mechanical pencils, noting that they enhance their ability to perform math work effectively.
  • Several participants mention the Staedtler brand, with one participant specifically asking about the grade of lead used.
  • One participant shares their experience with Rotring mechanical pencils, highlighting their weight and feel, while also noting their expense and personal use case.
  • Another participant discusses the Pentel Twist-Erase pencil, mentioning their preference for the 0.7mm size due to its ergonomics.
  • One participant states a strong preference for writing in pen, specifically using Pilot-G2 pens, and describes their experience with the pen's performance in physics-related work.
  • Some participants express differing opinions on the Rotring Rapid Pro, with one finding it too thin and heavy for their liking.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of using quality writing instruments, but there are multiple competing views regarding specific brands and models. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which writing instruments are definitively superior.

Contextual Notes

Participants' preferences are influenced by personal experiences and specific use cases, which may not be universally applicable. There is also a lack of consensus on the best mechanical pencil or pen, as preferences vary widely.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in writing instruments for engineering, drafting, or physics-related work may find the shared experiences and recommendations valuable.

gravenewworld
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For some reason, I'm really picky now about my writing instruments. I can't use yellow pencils anymore or cheap mechanical pencils, I feel like a good mechanical pencil helps me do math work better. It's literally a tool in my tool box to do engineering. Who else uses a good mechanical pencil to do their work? If so what brand?


Pen wise, I have a new Cross pen I love to write in my lab notebook. Love it! :biggrin:
 
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I've always used these Staedtlers.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9694/zvhg.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I use quality drafting tools when I can. I prefer the feel and the control.
 
dlgoff said:
I've always used these Staedtlers.
I use those to draw. What grade lead you use?
 
I have two Rotring 600s and a Rotring Rapid Pro, all 0.5, that I switch between for daily use. I kept a Pentel P205 around for when I'm not going to be sitting in one secure place because I've already had a couple of tips bent on the 600s.

I like the weight and feel of the heavy metal Rotrings, but they are certainly expensive. Note: I do not do any actual drafting. After I'm done with school in May, I'll definitely keep them around at work and I plan to expand my collection.
 
dlgoff said:
I've always used these Staedtlers.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9694/zvhg.jpg
I do, too. They're absolutely the BEST.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
zoobyshoe said:
I use those to draw. What grade lead you use?
I believe what the 780 comes filled with is HB. I haven't ever needed to buy any as I just pick up a new one. :blushing:
 
Mandelbroth said:
I do, too. They're absolutely the BEST.
I received a box of them as a gift for taking over as the instructor for a Engineering Drafting course years ago.
 
I'm a big fan of the Pentel Twist-Erase:

http://www.pentel.com/store/twist-erase-iii-mechanical-pencil

I tried the 0.5mm and it was too delicate. Tried the 0.9mm and it was too mushy. So I got a 0.7mm and it's juuuust right.

I don't care about the twist action on the erasers. I hardly ever use the erasers, except for small things. I just like the ergonomics of the pencil itself. For more serious erasing, I use one of these

http://www.simonsartsupplies.com/factis-im-30-eraser/

I know one side of it is for ink. But the side for graphite is pretty awesome.
 
  • #10
S_Happens said:
I have two Rotring 600s and a Rotring Rapid Pro, all 0.5, that I switch between for daily use. I kept a Pentel P205 around for when I'm not going to be sitting in one secure place because I've already had a couple of tips bent on the 600s.

I like the weight and feel of the heavy metal Rotrings, but they are certainly expensive. Note: I do not do any actual drafting. After I'm done with school in May, I'll definitely keep them around at work and I plan to expand my collection.

I find the rotring rapid pro way too thin/long for me. A little bit too heavy as well.
 
  • #11
Crake said:
I find the rotring rapid pro way too thin/long for me. A little bit too heavy as well.

:biggrin:
 
  • #12
I only write in pen, and I nearly only use Pilot-G2 07's or smaller. They can get a little sloppy, but if you take your time to write neatly, and only use blank paper or grid notebooks, it looks really nice. Great for text and diagrams, pens are fairly cheap, and they don't bleed.

Then again all I do is physics math, and I rarely return to my previous work to look at the notes.
 
  • #13
inotyce said:
:biggrin:

lol inotyce. Come on..
 

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