Hey JP
I, on a bench grinder with a hard felt wheel on one side, grind and polish a more or less 25 degree conical point. I believe a smooth polish is important for smooth cutting and longer life for the square, the awl will slowly burnish and roll the square's edge. Most often I will ink the layout free-handed with an old fashioned draftmans split quill ruling pen.
You might need a sharper angle on the awl if you are working a very soft wood like western red cedar, if the wood crushes under the point or the awl doesn't bite, get sharp.
Last edited by Roger W Nair; 05/19/12 02:33 AM.
