Inlay chisels

[M Cochran]

I have a project that I'm working on thatll need a couple inlays and can't find the help I need on engraving forums or bladesmithing forums so I'm hoping someone here can help. Can someone please tell me where to find good chisels I can use to do inlay work on metal. I've seen several examples in several places so I know it can be done. I have a rough idea as to which chisels I need and have tried making them with no success. If anyone has suggestions of any kind or maybe some old cheap chisels they have from where they got new good chisels please let me know. I'm about to lose a comissioned project simply because I cannot find the tools I need to do the job.

 

[Swamp Rat]

source for gravers. You got to know how to sharpen and under cut. https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/1005/1
and here is how. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zECMFQOoaqc

sharpening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz0H2VxK6Ic

 

[M Cochran]

Those are shaped at the factory? I'm being serious right now since I was told recently that the only way to get gravers was buying blanks and making them yourself.

I'm headed over there now thanks for your help, I really appreciate the quick help.

 

[Swamp Rat]

Sometimes it's better to make them, reason being you can repeat the angles you created, because you created them.

 

[Pete G]

If you buy a pre-shaped graver you have a known starting point. It might work just fine as is. If it does not meet your needs, modify it. Don't start trying to make your own from stock until you have enough experience to recognize what it is you need.

 

[eggwelder]

go buy a couple of books, The Art of Blacksmithing , by Alexander Beals
and the Complete Modern Blacksmith, by Alexander Weygers

they will teach you what you need to know

 

[Vaino]

What are you trying to accomplish?....Fred

 

[Zonie]

Those are shaped at the factory? I'm being serious right now since I was told recently that the only way to get gravers was buying blanks and making them yourself.

I'm headed over there now thanks for your help, I really appreciate the quick help.

This is the sort of manure some old timers hand out to eliminate the competition from learning craftsman.
The idea is to scare the newcomers away from the trade.

Yes, you can buy factory made tools.
They often will need a little tweaking (sharpening and forming the relief) to make them work their best but they are a good starting place and will save you a lot of time.

 

[44-henry]

Just a thought, but depending on your experience and skill it would be good to practice on some scrap before attempting that comission. Depending on where you are at contracting that part of your job out might not be a bad idea. I only mention it because your post suggests engraving and tools for it were outside your comfort zone.

 

[M Cochran]

Sorry for the long delay, I've worked 12 hour days all week until a short 11 hour day today.

The plan is to inlay a 'tree so life' and a turtle using brass and copper.

It's good to know I can buy pre shaped instead of just working from blanks.

I'm capable of forging a variety of metals into most of what I choose but gravers are not something to forge and I've tried grinding some from good steel I have on hand but could get the shape/angle right for it to cut

This is a new area for me and if it wasn't for the fact this is a low budget project I would consider sending it out for the inlay. I will do at least a couple practice runs before I do it for real.