Mechanical pencils (propelling pencils) for chartwork

[Humblebee]

I usually use traditional 2B pencils for chartwork but am wondering if a change to a mechanical pencil might be worthwhile. Consistent line width and no sharpening seem to be main advantages plus extending the lead if the point breaks would be quicker than sharpening a normal pencil.

These folk seem to have a good range,Mechanical Pencils | Cult Pens

Any thoughts on lead width - 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm?
What about hardness - stick with 2B or do you recommend something different ?
Cheers all,
Chris

 

[Poignard]

I use Pilot Shaker pencils, 0.5mm, 4B

 

[Boathook]

0.7mm and 2B or possibly softer. I've used them on board for many years. Just make sure that you have some spare leads.

 

[halcyon]

I usually use traditional 2B pencils for chartwork but am wondering if a change to a mechanical pencil might be worthwhile. Consistent line width and no sharpening seem to be main advantages plus extending the lead if the point breaks would be quicker than sharpening a normal pencil.

These folk seem to have a good range,Mechanical Pencils | Cult Pens

Any thoughts on lead width - 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm?
What about hardness - stick with 2B or do you recommend something different ?
Cheers all,
Chris

There what we used for producing drawing in the old days, still got some around.

Brian

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I've got several of these, and have ended up buying a bunch for the kids and friends because it's better than having them nicked. They are that nice to use...

Pentel GraphGear 1000 Automatic Pencil

edit, wrong one.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Back in the days when we still drew maps on drawing boards (before about 1995!) the goto suppliers of drawing instruments were Rotring and Staedtler. I'd tend to prefer them, as they are intended for precision use, rather than classroom or showing off.

That said, I'd be interested in knowing how long they last in the damp environment of a yacht. The old fashioned wooden pencil won't rust!

 

[Poignard]

Back in the days when we still drew maps on drawing boards (before about 1995!) the goto suppliers of drawing instruments were Rotring and Staedtler. I'd tend to prefer them, as they are intended for precision use, rather than classroom or showing off.

That said, I'd be interested in knowing how long they last in the damp environment of a yacht. The old fashioned wooden pencil won't rust!

My two Pilot 'Shaker' pencils have been on my boat throughout the 23 years I have owned her. They work perfectly.

 

[wrr]

Staedtler 0.7mm (6B leads) clutch pencil still going strong after 20+ years in the chart table rack. 6b leads and putty rubbers contribute to the longevity of charts.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

My two Pilot 'Shaker' pencils have been on my boat throughout the 23 years I have owned her. They work perfectly.

Thanks - I was genuinely wanting information. Pilot were less well-known than Rotring and Staedtler, but not unknown either.

It got to be really interesting during the few years when pen plotters were the only way we had to produce large format maps from digital material. Then we really had difficulty sourcing pens that would last any time at all when drawing at high speed on mylar. I forget who made them, but the ones with ceramic tips were the longest lasting! And of course, occasionally someone left felt tipped pens in when plotting on mylar; it was a good way to ruin a set of pens (they were fine on paper, and cheaper).

Large format inkjet plotters changed things permanently!

 

[LadyInBed]

I still have a couple of 2B grip pencils on-board, I moved them across from my old boat 20 years ago.
They still work well.

 

[Daverw]

Rotring every time, 0.7 2B lead. I did however this last year get a hard plastic chart cover which you then use fine permanent marker pens which then rub off with a normal rubber, much clearer and does not mark the paper chart. Great when under way at the chart table as you can also make notes on it

 

[Skylark]

I use Pental, also legacy products from an engineering apprenticeship during the 70s.

They certainly do make for neater Chartwork.

(Still have a set of boxed Rotring ink drafting pens in the loft but not found a use for them in the last 40 years ?)

 

[GHA]

Right click - properties?

 

[Poignard]

Although I have used my Pilot pencils for decades, I still have a few 'traditional' pencils on board. Also a pencil sharpener.

For back up I have a GPS.

 

[DownWest]

I use Pental, also legacy products from an engineering apprenticeship during the 70s.

They certainly do make for neater Chartwork.

(Still have a set of boxed Rotring ink drafting pens in the loft but not found a use for them in the last 40 years ?)

Me too! But for everyday, I use Rotring disposable ink pens and their pencils too. The pens last for years without drying out.

 

[Skylark]

For back up I have a GPS.

Pray tell, what is this GPS of which you speak

 

[wombat88]

Clutch pencils...

 

[Poignard]

Pray tell, what is this GPS of which you speak

I'm so ashamed of it I keep it covered up with an old sowester hat.

 

[BobnLesley]

Staedtler 0.7mm (6B leads) clutch pencil still going strong after 20+ years in the chart table rack.

Another satisfied Staedtler user here; a couple of 0.7mm/4Bs taking us to/around the Med and then across to NZ.

 

[Humblebee]

Thanks all for the helpful replies. I'll give it a go, probably 0.7mm with 2B leads, make still to decide on.
Best regards,
Chris