Did anyone have trouble with getting the No.2 pencil to revolve "precisely" the right amount in order for the writing to appear exactly where it needs to be at the other end?

Sometimes it works beautifully for me and sometimes it looks off, which I assume is not what we are going for here.

Thanks for any help.
Asmayly.

I had exactly the same problem Asmayly. The standard paddle move is just harder to hit right on because of the number of surfaces on the pencil and sometimes they require a slight adjustment to finish. If you try just doing the covered rub moves you can nail it everytime.

Burt,
Actually I think it's the "rub" move I'm having trouble with: where the writing goes from the top of the pencil to the bottom (not where the writing appears on one or both sides of the same end).

It's the "twirl" of the fingers that I cannot seem to predict that causes the misalignment.

How can one align the pencil to the fingers when twirling so that it creates the right illusion every time? (As you say, there are so many edges, it doesn't seem quite possible ...)

Asmayly

Just make it smooth and act confident in what you are doing and believe that it is happening and the spec will too.

Hmmm. I found the rub moves easier as I was "controlling" the move with both hands instead of just one. Also if you do miss you can keep your hand covering and make a slight adjustment while continuing the rub.

I feel your pain brother. Sorry I can't offer any better advice.

Thanks anyway, Burt. I'll try 2 hands and keep practicing.

Asmayly

I found the same problem myself. It just takes some practice and working with the pencil to get it to turn just right. If you watch the Jenest video, you'll see he adjusts his grip at times to prepare to do the move under a pretense of squeezing the eraser.

In the instructions to the #2 Pencil, Jenest also mentions that the move can be done in either direction, rotating left or right, but
"if you **** to the right you won't need to readjust the pencil for the following paddle move."

Other than that, I can only recommend doing it many, many times while watching to make sure the marks end up where you want them to:
soon you will know by feel alone.

I toast your perseverence!

alleycat

I've found that when I over-revolve the pencil, it's because I'm gripping the pencil too tightly. If I loosen the death grip, everything smooths out and works properly.

DonB

I second the 'loose grip' theory, DonB. A tight grib creates too much movement and an innacurate tap. BTW, the tap should always strike the exact same part of the palm.

I just takes some practice like anything else. once you find the rigt grip or spot it become second nature
vinny