Marking Tools(Marking Out Tools) in Workshop:Types & Uses

Hello friends, Today we are going to discuss marking tools or marking out tools which are widely used in industries.

There are so many types of marking tools in workshop or fitting shop, which we will know in detail one by one.

So let's know the different types of marking tools that are used in workshop.

What is Marking Tool?

The marking tool is used to mark on a job or workpiece to obtain accurate size and shape.

Before using marking tools on a job or workpiece, firstly we should use marking media on it so that we can clearly see when marking.

The marking tool is also called a marking out tools.

Types of Marking Tool

There are the following types of marking tools in a workshop:

• Surface Gauge
• Surface Plate
• Marking Table
• Scriber
• Prick Punch
• Center Punch
• Divider
• Trammel
• Hermaphrodite Caliper
• 'V' - Block
• Angle Plates
• Parallels
• Bevel Square
• Combination Set 

Surface Gauge

A surface gauge is a marking tool or marking out tools that are used to draw a line of layout work by placing them on a surface plate. 

Surface Gauge

There are two types of surface gauges:

1. Fixed Type Surface Gauge
2. Universal Surface Gauge

Fixed Type Surface Gauge

Its design consists of a heavy base and a spindle that is a straight fix and it is fitted with a scriber with a snug and a clamp nut. 

Universal Surface Gauge

This surface gauge has the following additional features:

1. Can set the spindle in any position
2. Fine adjustments can be made quickly.
3. It can also be used on cylindrical surfaces. 

Surface gauges should not be used on the unleaded surface.

After surface gauge next marking tools in the workshop are surface plate, marking table with images.

Surface Plate

This is a precision machined surface.

It is made of cast iron, graphite, or ceramic. 

Some surface plates are flat by lapping to a precision of 0.0025 mm. 

It is used to test the flatness of other surfaces or marking off the work and used for inspection of jig and fixture as well as gauges.

Protection and Maintenance of the Surface Plate

For proper protection and maintenance of the surface plate, the following should be kept in mind:

1. The upper surface of the surface plate should be kept clean and dust, rust, and burrs should be removed.
2. The surface plate should be shelved on three legs to prevent rocking and twisting. If it is shelved on four legs, there is a possibility of rocking and twisting. 
3. After working, the surface plate should be cleaned and lubricated oil or greased on it.
4. Do not let any heavy objects fall on the surface plate. 

Marking Table 

This is made from closed grain cast iron and is given special heat treatment so that it does not change its size after use.

The marking table provides a reference plane on which the task and marking-out tools are placed. 

The work that needs to be marked, is placed at a right angle with the reference plane.

When it is not to be used, it should be covered with a well fitting wooden cover to protect it. 

Marking Tool: Surface Plate, Marking Table

After this, the next marking tools in the workshop to know scriber, prick punch, center punch with their images.

Scriber

Scriber is the very most important marking out tools in mechanical workshop or fitting shop.

This hardened tool is a sharp tool made of steel that is used to draw lines while marking on a metal job. 

It has a Conical Point (top angle usually 159°) and a knurled body. 

The scriber should always be slanted in the direction of the movement and move with the appropriate pressure along with the steel rule.

Its edge should always be pointed.

Scriber's points are sharp edged, so they should be used carefully. 

Scribers should not be kept in the pocket.

If it is not being used, the cork should be applied on its point which can prevent the accident.

Prick Punch 

A prick punch is a layout marking tool or marking out tools that are made of steel, approximately 100 mm to 150 mm. 

It is long, with both ends hard and tempered. 

Its point is grinded at an angle of 30 ° to 60 °.

It is used to place small dots on layout lines, punch marks on the center of drill holes.

Center Punch

It is like a prick punch but its point is grinded at an angle of about 90 °. 

This is used to make the marks larger than the prick punch because the point of the drill sits easily in it and the drill can be easily done with precision. 

Some center punches are automatic with a striking mechanism in the handle.

The downward pressure of the striking mechanism is released into the handle to form the mark.

Marking Tools: Scriber, Prick Punch, Center Punch

Now we will know marking tools in the workshop step by step are a divider, trammel, and hermaphrodite caliper which is used to mark circles or used for marking on a round job.

Divider

This is a marking tool or marking out tools used to mark circles, segments, and other geometrical textures. 

It is also used to transfer textures. It is made of tool steel, and its points are hardened and tempered. 

It is classified according to the maximum number of points it can open.

Uses 

1. Measuring distance between two points.
2. The direct transfer of measurements from the steel rule. 
3. Marking circles and arcs on metal jobs. 

Trammel  

According to the job, the points of trammel in length are associated with a bar.

It is used to draw circles and circles with more radiuses that cannot be drawn by a divider.

Hermaphrodite Caliper

The hermaphrodite caliper is often used to find the center of the end of a round work or work that is cast and not completely round.

It is also known as Jenny Caliper.

Uses

1. It is used for marking the parallel lines of inner and outer edges.
2. It is used to locate the center of round bars.

Precautions

1.  When setting the dimensions and drawing lines, both legs of Jenny Caliper should be the same length. 
2. For an accurate set of dimensions, the point of Jenny Caliper should be clicked in the graduation of steel rule.

Divider and Trammel

'V' - Block

V 'blocks are often made of hardened steel or cast iron, which are found in many sizes. 

These are often used for drilling on layouts or round work. 

They are usually found in pairs and have a V-shaped slot machined at a perfect 90 ° angle at its top and bottom. Often a 'U' shaped clamp comes with it tied tightly to the work.

'V' - Block

Types of V Block

According to Indian Standard (BIS) 'V' blocks are of the following four types:

• Single Level Single Groove 'V' Block
• Single Level Double Groove 'V' Block 
• Double Level Single Groove 'V' Block
• Matched Pair 'V' Block

Single Level Single Groove 'V' Block

It has only one 'V' groove and has single rectangular slots to position the holding clamps on either side. 

Single Level Double Groove 'V' Block 

It has a 'V' groove and two rectangular slots to position the holding clamps on either side.

Double Level Single Groove 'V' Block

It consists of two 'V' grooves at the top and bottom and a rectangular one on either side to accommodate the holding clamps. 

Matched Pair 'V' Block

This type of 'V' block is found in pairs that have the same size and uniform precision.

They are used to support long shafts.

Grade  

'V' blocks are found in 'A' and 'B' grades.  'V' blocks with 'A' grade are more accurate and are found only up to 100 mm in length.

These are made of high-quality steel.

'V' blocks with 'B' grade are used for simple tasks and are found up to 500 mm in length.
These are made of closed grain cast iron.

Precautions

1.  Clean the 'V' block before and after use.
2. Avoid scratching the 'V' block.
3. When they are not being used, apply a thin layer of oil or grease to them.

Now next marking tools in the workshop are angle plates and bevel squares which are used to mark at a particular angle.

 Angle Plates

Angle plates are used to hold the work in parallel and at right angles to the surface.

A 'C' clamp device is often used to hold the work on the angle plate. Some angle plates have slots and tapped holes to hold the work.

Angle plates are found in various sizes which are in the range from 1 to 10 numbers.  

Bevel Square

Use of this marking tool or marking out tools in a fitting shop to mark a given angle with an edge or to check the angular precision of oblique surfaces.

It is usually made of carbon steel and parallel ends are grinded. 

It varies slightly in size but has a blade that can be moved at 360 ° and locked in a fixed position.

Angle Plate and Bevel Square

Parallels 

Parallels are square or rectangular high steel bars whose surfaces are square and parallel grinded. 

These are in pairs and are used to raise the work to the correct height and provide a solid seat while the layout.

Combination Set 

Combination set is used for marking out and taking measurements. 

It is usually made of alloy steel. 

Its measuring faces are well-grinded. 

This set consists of four main parts are steel rule, square head, protractor head, and center head.

Combination Set

Steel Rule

Steel rule can be fitted in the center head, protractor head, or square head. Sometimes it is used as a straight edge or for taking measurements. 

Graduations are usually made in millimeters or half millimeters on the rule of a metric combination set.

Square Head

Square head is used to draw lines in parallel or right angles with an edge. 

It is used as a depth gauge or to check angles of 45° and 90 °. The square head can be moved to any position on the rule.

Protractor Head 

A protractor head is used to check the layout of an angle. 

It has a spirit level to set up jobs in the horizontal plane.

Center Head 

A center head is formed when a center square is fitted over it. 

It can be used for the location of the center of round, square and octagonal stock. 

So friends here I discussed all aspects related to marking tools in workshop.

If any doubt you can ask me through a comment or direct mail to me.

FAQ Related to Marking Tools in Workshop or Fitting Shop

Which of the following tool is used in both marking and measuring?

Tool which is used in both marking and measuring that is try square.

The try square is commonly used to mark the line at 90° and along with this, the blades of the try square are found in the range of 10cm to 30cm, which are marked in cm or mm in a try square blade, from which we can also take the measurement of distance.

Punches, used for marking are?

Punches are generally used for marking a small dot on a workpiece or a job where drilling or holes to be made.

Which tool is used for marking straight line?

Surface gauge is a one of the type of marking tool which is used for marking a straight line.

What is the purpose of marking?

The purpose of marking is used to mark on a any workpiece or a job to obtain accurate shape and size.

A tool used for marking and measuring a square of any workpiece?

A tool used for marking and measuring a square of any workpiece is known as try square.