Vernier Scale Help

[daboone]

I figure you masters of smithing must have some method to solve this problem. My eyes ain't what they used to be.:sad: The Lee Perfect vernier scale is easy to read the Lyman 55 is not.

Is it possible to permanently highlight or darken the marking of the 55's vernier scale? I've tried permanent markers and white out but it just rubs off when removing the excess.

[62chevy]

I read either on this site or some where else that to solve this problem they used a Tablet or iPad to make the image bigger. Don't have either so someone else will have to give details on how to do it.

[larryw]

You might try Prussian Blue machinist die used in auto a machinist work,
it stains the metal, for lack of a better term. Might try applying
it with a straight pin because wherever you get it will be a
stained a pretty blue??? Just a thought???

[daboone]

Thanks Larry. I don't have any of the blue dye you mentioned but the scribe idea did a fine job. Fortunately I did have an excellent scribe. Actually being very impatient I posted this question over on Cast Boolits as well. A member there, Country Gent, make this suggestion as well. He also suggested using a guide. I made this guide from a thin strip of aluminum which took the curve of the 55's slide and made scribing much easier, kind of like a ruler. Even with out the blueing it is MUCH easier to read.

[larryw]