First gravings

[Osprey]

Well, starting my first forays into engraving with gun #2, spent some time at the workbench yesterday tapping and scratching metal. Got the trigger guard done, nothing too fancy for this first attempt but lots more to do before I finish this gun...

layed out and started...

finished...

 

[jimmytheshank]

VERY nicely done! I was wondering how far you had gotten on your silver Lehigh project. Nice work! :thumbsup:

 

[54]

very nice :thumbsup:

 

[Raynor]

Looks good :thumbsup:

 

[TNHillbilly]

How about a little more detail? I'm sure we all want to try that sometime. What graver(s) are you using? Hand or air gravers?

 

[Osprey]

Chasing hammer and a homemade graver from a die-sinker chisel in a dowel handle. Got a buddy making me something better to try, HSS bit with a machined aluminum handle, he makes good stuff. Kinda want to learn this by hand, I use power tools for lots of things but somehow the steady tap tap tap seems better to me. :v

 

[mazo kid]

How much practice work did you do before actually engraving the part? Emery

 

[anika]

Is that German silver or is that polished steel?? odis

 

[TNHillbilly]

I agree with your technique. What success I've had is chasing with a hammer. Make gravers from old files. Break off the tang and grind them down to a point. I've got some small hand gravers, but I can't control them. Good looking work so far!

 

[TNHillbilly]

I agree with your technique. What success I've had is chasing with a hammer. Make gravers from old files. Break off the tang and grind them down to a point. I've got some small hand gravers, but I can't control them. Good looking work so far!

 

[ricklandes]

I am happy for you. The first time starting onto a gun is such a stressor! (At least mine was...) I think you have done well.

I make my chisels from 3/8 sq. W-1 steel and cut it to about 6", grind file to shape. heat quench and temper in the oven and finally sharpened.

I save the smaller gravers for fine work and details.

 

[engravertom]

A good beginning! getting started is often the hardest part.

Did you cut the border also? It looks good.

Some things to remember. Check your point often, especially if you have any difficulty controlling the tool. I often made the mistake of thinking " i'm not doing well today" when it was a microscopic break in the tool point. Some sort of 30X loupe or microscope will help you inspect your points. Secondly, holding the work securely helps with the smoothness of the cut, and the longevity of the tool point. Vibration is bad! It is not always possible to entirely eliminate it though.

What kind of hammer are you using? Chasing hammers are often sold with the handle left too thick in the middle. The springier the handle, the better. Again, it helps tool points and smoothness of cut.
I prefer wood tool handles for lighter cutting, and metal handles for heavier cutting. Differing weights of chasing hammers can help also. Similar to blacksmithing, change the hammer, not the stroke. The contrast betwen heavier main cuts verses lighter shading cuts improves the appearance of the work. You may want to try some hand pushing also, to make your shading even more delicate.

I know that is a mouthful; hope it helps some.

keep up the good work!

take care,

Tom

 

[Osprey]

How much practice work did you do before actually engraving the part? Emery

A little bit, but I'm prone to jumping into things and learning as I go. Worked a piece of scrap brass just enough to get a feel for it. I only do a bit, 5-15 minutes, each day, not something to rush or do when tired of it.

Odis it's german silver.

 

[Osprey]

I'll have to try some different hammers, I admit I'm a bit of a brute and hit it too hard sometimes. :surrender:

Worked on the patchbox this weekend. I need to work on curls before the next gun!

 

[jimmytheshank]

:shocked2: Geez,

If this is only your first attempt at engraving,I wonder what stuff will look like when you get some practice in. :shocked2: DANG! I'm impressed to say the least. Beautiful job!!!! :bow:

 

[engravertom]

Sorry if I came across as critical! Didn't mean to, just trying to give you some pointers to shorten the learning curve a bit.

You are gettng along very well.

take care,

Tom

 

[Osprey]

Not critical at all, any and all tips appreciated! :thumbsup:

I will try to practice more before the next gun, this is something I want to get better at.

 

[engravertom]

I was a light hitter to start with, and had to work hard to get the deeper cuts to work for me. When I used to teach an online engraving course, I would notice that pretty much everyone started out as one or the other, a deep cutter, or a light one.

I look forward to seeing your work progress.

Tom

:thumbsup:

 

[barebackjack]

WOWEEE! Your first time engraving?

I finished my first rifle almost six months ago, and have been practicing my engraving ever since and still arent near that!

Awesome work! Hope mine turns out half that nice.

 

[psushchyk]

Nicely done!! I am new to this forum, but this is the type of work that I am hoping to do in the future. What is a chasing hammer and where does one acquire such a tool? I have a set of gravers somewhere amongst the clutter of my workshop.