Timber Framers Guild Forums General General Forum Questions scoring vs. cutting the line poll

With a fine enough pencil would you all still score? Is it for precision or wood characteristic?

This chainsaw talk has got me interested.

Will, can you give us a tutorial (with a disclaimer :)) about how you use that tool to cut your scarf?

Don't want to hijack the thread. On second thought, I'll start a new one.

I like the scoring for two reasons; it provides a guide, a positive groove for your chisel, and it prevents the possiblity of tear out of the outer fibers when using a saw or on the side when parring down the face near the side. I will continue to use it for these reasons. The only down side is if you score what you shouldn't. If you go past your cut lines, then you have a score line that will always be present and will be made more evident if finishing the timber with oil or another finish. You've got to pay close attention when laying out. Some may even elect to first layout in pencil to be sure of the layout before scoring.