Latest Engraving ......

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Finished this box up a week ago Friday morning, took it and donated it to a club in Eastern Oregon for a raffle for their club.

Hope you enjoy the pic.

 

[wattlebuster]

Looks great. I like it :thumbsup:

 

[hoochiepapa]

TOm, I'm not one to pick apart someone else's work. You did a beautiful job on that box. But there is no life to the leaves. Wouldn't it have been better to add some shading to them?
Just my two bits.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Wouldn't it have been better to add some shading to them?
Just my two bits.

Mike,

Yes and no.

I have had zero formal training or classes of any kind, this piece is actually the practice plate. With my limited time for this type of work I just have not spent enough time with the tools (pencil & eraser) to feel comfortable with shadeing.

Am getting better though, just need to make more time is all.

The club was appreciative and the eventual owner of the box was more than pleased.

I most likely would have made a mess of the shadeing had I tried it though.

 

[CrackStock]

Actually, I was enjoying the simplicity.

CS

 

[ronnie_kennedy]

Amazing work brother! I enjoyed the simplicity also. I would love to get into this type of hobby...what type of materials are needed to start with?

 

[MSW]

looks nice ... gotta figure out how to do that ... there are a boatload of items which i'd like to jazz up just a bit...

:hmm:

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

I spent the better part of a couple years getting this stuff together, the GRS GraverMach and handpieces are the only part of this set-up that was purchased new, the balance was bought second hand.

There are far cheaper ways to get into this, but the learning curve is MUCH LONGER to get to this level of work.

I probably have no more than 60 hours actual cutting time invested.

Here are a couple pictures of my bench.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Nice and very generous of you. :thumbsup:

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

As far as getting started on the inexpensive side, there are a couple forums out there that will get you pointed in the right direction.

Steve Lindsay

Sam Alfano

You'll most likely have to join to get the real benifits from either of the sites, it is free though.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Fancy set-up. I'll betcha that mikey-scope and graver machine cost ye more than 60 anythings. :shocked2:

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Aiyup,

spent a fair amount of coin on this set-up, think it has paid off though.

When most are busy with the tv or other such benificial pursuits I am doing other things, engraving, turning wood, leather projects, building muzzleloaders, etc.

All in all in the whole scheme of things it really is cheap entertainment, and a whole heap better for the soul.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Nice set-up! Looks a lot like mine, which is in shambles because of our move. As soon as I get it cleaned up, I'll post a pic.
Just goes to show you don't need a lot of room to have fun.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Would like to see your bench Mike.


Thanks Again to all of the positive comments about the engraving.

:hatsoff:

 

[hoochiepapa]

Here you go, Tom! Stuff everywhere, and not as big as yours because I couldn't get in front of the bench for a pic. But a very comfy room, door to the outside right behind me, and just off the shop in my garage.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Mike,

Looks like a bench in progress to me, good on ya.

 

[hoochiepapa]

TOm,
I'm in the process of making a stand for my engraving ball, I want something where I can either stand or sit to do engraving, and swing a barrel around. I have some ideas, but nothing made yet. I have thrown around the idea of a joist jack, and also a grinder stand. I'll post pics.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Mike,

I tried to stand and operate the foot peddal once, very awkward. May have better luck with a palm control device.

Did see a thread over on Sam's sight dedicated to workbenches, about the 4th or 5th page an individual had an interesting solution using what looks like landscape curbing.

 

[Robby]

Tom and Mike, I am envious, but I think maybe its a little late in the grade to upgrade.

Seeing how I do believe envy IS a sin, I will atone by cleaning up my digs :grin: . Great set up, both of you!!!
Robby

 

[hoochiepapa]

Robby,
Yours is a very professional looking shop. 'Course that is to be expected, seeing as how you do very professional work. :bow: