Many times timber framers need to lay out long, accurate cutting lines. A standard string in a chalk reel yields a fat, sloppy line, so I went looking for a replacement that would give me a finer line. After some research, I settled on 20-lb. test braided nylon fishing line. I find that it holds chalk very well, and it gives a crisp, clean line. If I need an even finer line, I snap it in the air a time or two before I lay it on the work.
I bought 140 yards of the braided line for about $7 — enough for everyone in the shop. The only tools that I’ve seen that give a comparable line are Japanese ink lines, which cost about $50.
—Tom Baker, Blissfield, MI
Edited by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #39
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I have used this line for many years, although I pull the line through a piece of folded 220 sand paper to aid the chalk retention. And use masonry mineral black color pigment if the line may be exposed to rain.
I use a Tajima ink line like the Japanese use. The string is very fine and it puts down a razor-sharp line in liquid ink, red, blue or orange.
Been using this setup in a Tajima case for over 20 years, works great.