2 in 1 FB (Fat Boy) Scriber
Overview of the 2 in 1 FB scriber
The 2 in 1 FB scriber is a tool for fitting doors as well as a general scribing tool.
It is the same size as the standard FB Scriber but with the 6mm front aluminium lip removed.
In door fitting mode a 0.5mm stainless steel plate is bolted to the front of the scriber.
Once the door is reduced in size so that it fits in the frame and there is at least a 0.5mm gap, the plate fits between the door frame and the door and slides along the door frame marking a line on the door at a given distance away from the frame.
Plane down to the line and the door should fit with an even gap on all 4 sides.
When using the scriber for insallation work the plate is removed. You can use the marking wheel holder to score a line to work to. Work accurately to the line and your scribe should be just about perfect!
Go to the marking wheel holder page to see the holder in scribing action in a BB Scriber and how using masking tape gives you a clear line to cut to.
Great on cross grain work but it works equally well on mdf and along the grain on solid.
A Veritas marking wheel is used (one wheel is supplied with the holder) which can be replaced when worn out or damaged.
Replacement marking wheels can be purchased from Axminster power tools in the UK and many outlets in the US and Canada.
The body of the 2 in 1 FB Scriber is the same as the Deluxe FB Scriber. Go to the Deluxe FB scriber page to find out the different positions the body can be held in.
Setting up and using the 2 in 1 FB Scriber for door fitting
When using the 2 in 1 FB Scriber for door fitting the marking wheel should be somewhere near parallel to the scriber base.
With no washers added set the cutting wheel 6mm from the front of the steel plate. The wheel is parallel to the base in this position with a 1mm gap between the base of the scriber and the marking wheel. Tighten the holder thumb screw and pivot bolt so that nothing can move.
You then add 0.5mm washers between the brass spacer and tool holder to give the desired gap around the door.
If you are using the deluxe marking wheel holder with the 2 in 1 FB Scriber because the cutting wheel can be adjusted independant of the scriber body you don’t need washers to set the scriber up for door fitting.
Making the marking wheel holder scribe line more visable
Chiselling a flat along the line gives a visual stop for you to aim for with a hand plane.
More on setting up the 2 in 1 FB Scriber for fitting doors
The 2 in 1 FB Scriber has a 0.5mm stainless steel plate which screws to the front of the scriber. The plate fits between the door and door frame and runs along the door frame scribing a line on the door parallel to the frame.
This diagram shows you how to position the marking wheel for door fitting.
Set the marking wheel in this position using the brass spacer only (without 0.5mm washers).
Once the wheel is set 6mm back from the front of the stainless steel plate the wheel is parallel to the scriber base and there is automatically a 1mm gap between the base of the scriber and the cutting wheel (this means the line scored will be at right angles to the face of the door components).
Lock the tool holder and pivot bolt in this position and add washers between the brass spacer and tool holder to get the desired gap you want around the door.
Please note the washers are added above the brass spacer (not between the cutting wheel and brass spacer).
By setting the marking wheel in the above diagram position the wheel is parallel to the edge of the door. You then unscrew the m3 countersunk bolt holding the wheel and add 0.5mm washers above the 4mm brass spacer to give you the gap you want around the door.
For example. Presuming you have fitted the door so the bottom and one side fit the frame and it is wedged in the opening (as in the video above) and you want a 1mm gap around the door, add 2 x 0.5mm washers. As the wheel is already set 1mm from the scriber base the added washers will set the wheel 2mm from the base.
Fitting mortice and tenon joints with the 2 in 1 FB scriber
With larger mortice and tenon joints which aren’t cut on a dedicated tenoning machine (timber framing for example) you might end up with a gap in the joint on one side.
By utilizing the front plate you can scribe a line the required distance to loose the gap. Chisel up to the scribe line and the joint should close up.
On curved work use the scriber to transfer the curve to the tenon shoulder. Chisel to the line to fit.
Marking feet on furniture to level up after glue up
With the stainless plate removed the 2 in 1 Fb Scriber can be used for normal scribing operations.
When using the scriber to level the feet on chairs, tables etc avoid the wedges used to stop the furniture rocking by using the back end of the scriber.
This image show the 2 in 1 FB Scriber holding a pencil backwards. You can do this with all the scribers giving you another option if there is an obstacle in the way.
For ultimate accuracy use the chair makers marking wheel holder to level up your furniture.
Keep it sharp!
Always a good idea to work with sharp tools.
With the marking wheel fitted to the holder it is very easy to run the face of the wheel on a sharpening stone.
Opting for the deluxe marking wheel holder with the 2 in 1 FB Scriber means you don’t need washers to set the cutting wheel up for door scribing and you don’t need to move the scriber body in the cradle as all cutter angle adjusting can be done on the deluxe marking wheel holder.
If you would like a scriber suitable for either the marking wheel holder or the deluxe marking wheel holder but don’t want the door fitting feature of the 2 in 1 FB Scriber you can buy either marking wheel holder along with a scriber seperately.