Veritas Transfer/Log Scribe

Veritas Transfer/Log Scribe is a log scriber and transfer scribe you can use to copy the exact contour of one surface onto another for tighter-fitting joinery. The Veritas Transfer/Log Scribe can be used with two pencils for double scribing (tracing two parallel lines at once), or with the hardened steel pin on one leg for smooth scribing. Adjustable up to 12 inches (though most log scribing work falls in the two to six inch range), the scribe includes a scale so you can repeat any opening once you set the double bubbles (the two vials on the double bubble level) for a given pen and pencil projection. The rotatable double-level post and double bubble level let you hold the scribe plumb, vertical, horizontal, or in-between without losing calibration, and you can lock it in any position on either axis, which is an uncommon feature in log scribes.

The pointed end of the steel pin is for a scribe compass and compass work (drawing arcs or circles from a fixed point) when you need to swing a radius or mark consistent curves. The blunt curved end is non-marring for transfer scribing (copying one surface’s profile onto another) when you want to avoid denting softer wood while you trace. Other components are non-corroding brass and zinc-aluminum alloy. The scribe comes in a foam-lined, hard-shell plastic case. While it is usable with any standard pencil, it comes with a purple indelible pencil that marks well with light pressure. Extra pencils are available in either dark purple or red for better contrast. You can reference the Veritas Transfer/Log Scribe manual for setup and maintenance.

How to Use a Log Scribe

Set the gap distance you need and lock it in so you can repeat the same offset as you work along the log. Use the double bubble level to keep the tool plumb as you trace and run the legs smoothly to keep the same reference point on both surfaces. For double scribing, trace both sides at once with two pencils to get a clear cut line and a consistent reference line. Cut the saddle notch to your scribe line, then transition to shaping and cleanup with the Log Wizard Debarker/Notcher/Planer.

When your log work is finished, you are ready for the final steps to prep, preserve, seal, and protect your logs:

• Clean the freshly worked wood with Sashco CPR Log Cleaner & Brightener or Perma-Chink Log Wash.
• Treat any bare wood with a borate-based wood preservative, such as Tim-bor Professional Wood Preservative, that acts as a wood preservative, fungicide and insecticide providing long-term protection to control and prevent wood decay fungi, drywood and subterranean termites, wood-boring beetles, and carpenter ants.
• Prime the wood with Sashco Colorfast Pre-Stain Base Coat or Perma-Chink Prelude Clear Wood Primer.
• Seal larger log joints with Sashco Log Jam Chinking or Perma-Chink Chinking, and smaller joints and log checks with Sashco Conceal Textured Caulk or Perma-Chink Energy Seal Textured Caulk.
• Apply your favorite premium log stain from Sashco or Perma-Chink, and a clear topcoat if compatible with your stain.

Key Features of the Veritas Log Scribe

• Adjustable up to 12 inches, with a typical two inch to six inch range for most log scribing work
• Set and repeat openings with the scale once you dial in pencil projection and the double bubbles on the double bubble level
• Rotate and lock the double-level post on either axis so you can hold the tool plumb, vertical, horizontal, or at any angle without losing calibration
• Use the steel pin’s pointed end for scribe compass work and use the blunt curved end for non-marring transfer scribing
• Rely on zinc-aluminum alloy and solid brass components for corrosion resistance
• Store the Veritas Log Scribe in the foam-lined, hard-shell plastic case with one purple indelible pencil included. Replacement pencils are available in dark purple or red.

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