A ruling pen is a versatile instrument that uses ink or other drawing fluids for different artistry applications. It can be used to draw lines of varying thickness in lettering, tracing and drafting. It is made of two metal blades between which ink is loaded. The design of the blade is what causes the pen to draw in ink by capillary action. Unlike is the case with other pens, here, the user has to use a fine brush to place the ink gently on the inside parts of the blade instead of dipping it directly into the inkpot.
The pen Basics
These pens are designed differently and come in varying materials. Some are meant for engineering, others calligraphy, and still others picture framing and general art. It means that before making your purchase, it is vital to be clear on the particular use you plan to put the pen into. Despite the differences, the pens have two common parts including the handle and the tip.
The Handle
This is the longest part of the pen, normally between five to six inches long, and can be designed from metal, plastic or wood. However, it would still be possible to find pens with shorter or longer stems. Only choose a handle that feels comfortable in your grip as this is the part that determines how well you achieve your line or curve. If possible, get a longer stem for more control in your movement. With large hands, avoid short handles as making strokes with them can be very uncomfortable. Be careful to choose the right weight as that adds to the stability of the pen. With the possible bends, you are likely to make at odd angles, getting a pen with a cylindrical exterior is necessary to avoid unnecessary slipping.
The Tip
Some tips can be made from copper, others aluminum, stainless steel, or brass. The middle of the blade has air and is the place where ink is filled depending on the preference of the user. In some tips, there are available tightening screws that can be used to influence the amount of ink that goes in. The screw can be used to tighten or widen blades gap meaning that the thickness of the lines can be changed through the width of the gap. With that, ruling pens are very different from drafting pens which come with a set width for each pen. The type and amount of fluid used impacts the look of the final results. To use this instrument, a user needs to first master the skill of its usage.
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