MJS.ART 8" Straightedge - 3D Model

This is a downloadable 3D model for my 8" Straightedge and not the physical product. I don't offer the product for sale… yet.

I sometimes need a straightedge to draw lines, but if I don't need to measure the lines, I've found that – for me – rulers are less than ideal.

So I designed a straightedge that works better for the way I like to draw.

The straightedge is 8" in length. (If anyone wants a CM/MM version, just ping me.) The “top” side has circles that fit and cradle your fingertips, so you can move the straightedge with aplomb and ease. The circles transition to squares on the bottom, which in my very anecdotal testing, seem to better prevent unintentional sliding than circles.

I designed my stencils with an asymmetrical top and bottom:

• The smooth “top” side of the stencil lays the shape flat against the paper. This is probably the side most people will use. Note that my logo is mirrored when the stencil is used this way
   
• The rough “bottom” side of the stencil has an undersized 1/32" tier to lift the edge of the shape off of the paper while drawing. I designed this with my favorite  isograph and rapidograph pens in mind. This is the way.

My innovative tiered design prevents the pen tip from contacting the edge of the stencil and the paper simultaneously which can result in a capillary action that causes ink blotches.

Another innovation comes from 3D printing the stencils with the top side facing down. This results in the bottom side having a bit of texture that provides a tiny bit of grip (when compared to the smooth top side) on the paper.

1" and a .75" versions, included. I use the 1" version as I have big hands, and my fingers tend to get in the way of drawing a smooth line. The wider footprint also provides a bit more grip. I might add a 1.25" version, too.