{"id":4757,"date":"2016-08-27T12:33:22","date_gmt":"2016-08-27T19:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/?page_id=4757"},"modified":"2017-06-10T13:40:27","modified_gmt":"2017-06-10T20:40:27","slug":"what-do-i-need-to-start-engraving","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/?page_id=4757","title":{"rendered":"What Do I Need To Start Engraving?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Do I Need To Start Engraving? \u00a0<\/strong>I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked this question. \u00a0Enough, I’d guess, that it has spurred me to add this page about such things to my blog.<\/p>\n

#1 –\u00a0Commitment:<\/strong> \u00a0The number one thing you need is COMMITMENT<\/strong><\/span>. \u00a0Successful engraving is an expensive<\/strong><\/span> and long term<\/strong><\/span> undertaking. \u00a0Not to put too fine a point on it, if you’re the kind of person who collects hobbies by reading one Instructable<\/a> and watching two YouTube<\/a> vids thinking\u00a0you can be successful, then please move on. \u00a0Don’t waste your time nor mine. \u00a0Engraving isn’t for you. \u00a0Fine engraving is an extreme skill. \u00a0It doesn’t come easily – and that means a lot of failures and a lot of practice.<\/p>\n

#2 – Take a beginning engraving class.<\/strong> \u00a0Do this before you buy ANY<\/strong><\/span> engraving tools. \u00a0Believe me, you will \u00a0literally save thousands of dollars and enormous amounts of your lifespan, to say nothing about limiting stress and increasing your chances for success by many orders of magnitude. \u00a0I’ve tried coaching several people long distance over the Internet, and each of them ran out and purchased large quantities of engraving equipment before ever making their first cuts. \u00a0In each case, after many months of working on their own, they’ve managed to advance to where\u00a0they would have been on the first afternoon of a beginner’s class. \u00a0Each refused to take a class, and several have since sold their equipment. At the very least, a beginner’s class would have told them they weren’t really interested in engraving. \u00a0At best, they would have returned home light years ahead of where they are now. \u00a0Also, they would\u00a0have tried all the various brands of pneumatic engravers, microscopes and turntables, and sharpening equipment, and have\u00a0a much better idea of what to buy.<\/p>\n

A large number of engraving classes can be found here: \u00a0http:\/\/www.engravingclasses.com
\n<\/a>I\u00a0personally took classes from Ray Cover<\/a>, and endorse him wholeheartedly: \u00a0http:\/\/learningtoengrave.com<\/a>
\nI<\/a>‘ve heard good things about Mike Dubber<\/a>‘s instruction, and have met him personally and he is a fine gentleman: \u00a0http:\/\/www.firearmsengraving.com<\/a>
\nLikewise, Sam Alfano<\/a> is a\u00a0generous and\u00a0outstanding engraver, and also a fine gentleman: \u00a0http:\/\/www.masterengraver.com\/classes.shtml<\/a>
\nOne of the main manufacturers of pneumatic engraving equipment,\u00a0GRS<\/a>\u00a0has a large teaching facility that provides first class instruction from many highly qualified engravers, in Emporia KS: http:\/\/www.grstc.com<\/a><\/p>\n

#3 – Study up on what engraving is<\/strong> (and is not…). \u00a0The best way to do that is begin lurking at the three engraving forums, links below. \u00a0Ask questions, engravers are a very welcoming bunch (if, perhaps, a little opinionated).
\nhttp:\/\/www.engraverscafe.com<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/www.engravingforum.com
\n<\/a>http:\/\/www.engraversstudio.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Lastly, of course, you’ll need equipment. \u00a0I recommend pneumatic\u00a0<\/u>power<\/u><\/span>\u00a0assist engraving only.<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0 Some engravers recommend learning to push engrave, and hammer and chisel before moving to power assisted engraving. \u00a0I completely disagree.<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0This is the same thing as insisting your 16 year old daughter must learn to use a typewriter before you’ll allow her access to a computer, or she has to learn to drive a horse and buggy before you’ll allow her to enroll in Driver’s Education. \u00a0My daughter has never seen a typewriter in real life, and I seriously doubt she’ll ever need to drive a horse and buggy. \u00a0The finest engraving in history\u00a0is being done today with pneumatic powered airgravers, so why tie both of your hands behind your back? \u00a0Incidentally, I’m not going\u00a0to debate you about this. \u00a0You’re entitled to your opinion, but this is my Web page, and my opinion. \u00a0If you don’t like my opinion, please feel free to purchase your own Web page and post your own opinion. \u00a0You won’t receive any flak from me. \u00a0If you have an insatiable need to try hammer and chisel, here’s a little tutorial I produced for Bladesmith’s Forum as a relatively inexpensive way to give it a try: \u00a0Simple Engraving for Knifemakers<\/a>, so knock yourself out. \u00a0By the way, of the several bladesmiths that apparently tried this, none seem to have continued on with engraving.<\/p>\n

My equipment:<\/strong>\u00a0 I use a Lindsay Palm Control Classic Airgraver<\/a>, and a Lindsay Nitro G20 Airgraver<\/a> for my engraving (see images below).<\/p>\n

\"stainless-damascus\"<\/a> \"g20-foot-web\"
\n<\/a>Click to enlarge<\/p>\n

The Palm Control is a remarkable piece of equipment. \u00a0There is a small piston in the barrel of the Airgraver that provides cutting power, and is driven by air. \u00a0The mushroom handle is actually the controller for the air; the harder you push on it, the more power it delivers, in a very natural feeling manner. \u00a0Most of my cutting is with this device. \u00a0I use the more powerful Nitro G20 when I need to cut really deeply, and for precious metal inlays, sculpting and stippling. \u00a0The Nitro is controlled by a foot pedal, and I find it much easier on my hand to use it for sculpting and stippling, by holding it like a pencil and controlling the power with my foot. \u00a0Of course, the Palm Control can also do all of these things, but you must keep your finger on top of the mushroom handle to control the power, and that turned out to be painful to my hand.<\/p>\n

You’ll need a source of compressed air, a compressor is probably your best bet.<\/p>\n

A word about the other brands of pneumatic airgravers. \u00a0GRS (http:\/\/www.grstools.com<\/a>) \u00a0has several models available, but what I hear is a GraverMax system is your best bet for serious engraving. \u00a0All GRS systems are foot controlled, but they also have a system upgrade called AirTact that allows certain of their handpieces to be touch sensitive somewhat like the Lindsay Palm Control – I would definitely recommend you include that option. \u00a0 I’ve seen GRS equipment in action, but have never actually used one personally. \u00a0However, lots of excellent work is being done by GRS systems, so GRS is an excellent option if that is your preference. \u00a0Many of the beginner classes (except those by GRS) are equipped with most popular brands, so you can try out each to see which works best for your own preferences.<\/p>\n

Enset is a newcomer to the field. \u00a0I’ve only seen it in action in videos, but I’m intrigued by Enset’s ability to deliver a single blow at a time for sculpting, so definitely check it out at: \u00a0http:\/\/www.engraver.com<\/a><\/p>\n

When you compare prices on all of these various options, be certain that you compare apples to apples. \u00a0For instance, GRS prices are listed on a modular basis, where you must choose among different options, so be certain you add up the prices for all the required pieces. \u00a0While some Lindsay equipment may initially seem more expensive, when you include all the GRS pieces you’ll need to accomplish the same thing (especially the AirTact module), the price differences shrink dramatically.<\/p>\n

Sharpening Equipment:<\/strong>\u00a0 There are some excellent shortcuts available today that will definitely help.\u00a0\u00a0The engraving world is full of grey beard engraver\u2019s horror stories of their apprenticeships;\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI wasn\u2019t allowed to do anything during the first 20\u00a0years except learn to hand sharpen a basic graver.\u00a0\u00a0I didn\u2019t engrave anything for the first 23 years, and they wouldn\u2019t let me touch a gun for another 35 years\u201d yada yada yada.<\/p>\n

I believe that sharpening a graver and getting repeatable results is by far the most important, basic thing to learn, and there are some excellent sharpening devices available now that weren\u2019t available just a few years ago.\u00a0\u00a0They make sharpening a piece of cake.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you want to start with \u2013 Lindsay Graver Sharpening System:\u00a0\u00a0http:\/\/airgraver.com\/sharpening.htm<\/a>\u00a0 A note here:\u00a0 I am not employed by Lindsay Engraving, nor do I receive any sort of benefit from Lindsay Engraving.\u00a0 These are just plain brilliantly foolproof tools and fixtures.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nAbove is the Universal 116 degree fixture, shown here with a diamond bench stone for hand sharpening.\u00a0 There are quite a few additional templates (the clear plastic parts above) available to make and sharpen other types of gravers, most of them under $25.\u00a0 You only buy the metal graver holder once.<\/p>\n

\"Hammer_Chisel_Tutorial_1b\"
\n<\/a>Above is my Lindsay Universal sharpener, shown disassembled.\u00a0 If you do find you wish to continue in engraving, this sharpening system will be of daily use to you.<\/p>\n

\"Hammer_Chisel_Tutorial_1c\"
\n<\/a>If you have a drillpress, shown above is the Lap Mandrel Adapter for converting a drillpress to a power hone (about halfway down the page):\u00a0\u00a0http:\/\/airgraver.com\/sharpening.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Hammer_Chisel_Tutorial_1d\"<\/a>
\nAbove is one of the Lindsay Templates in use with the converted drill press mandrel and diamond lap.<\/p>\n

\"Hammer_Chisel_Tutorial_1e\"<\/a>
\nYou\u2019ll also need a diamond lap with the mandrel, I\u2019d recommend the 600 grit to start with (same page).<\/p>\n

Of course, you’ll need something to sharpen. \u00a0I use Lindsay graver blanks<\/a>, in High Speed Steel (HSS), M-42 (a higher grade of HSS) and Carbalt\u2122 (a special carbide). \u00a0Beginners really would do better to stick with HSS – it’s much cheaper and forgiving. \u00a0M-42 and Carbalt\u2122 are both considerably more expensive, and the Carbalt\u2122 is quite brittle. \u00a0You’re going to break a LOT<\/strong><\/span> of graver points, so get good at sharpening, and get used to it. \u00a0You can find the Lindsay graver blanks here: \u00a0http:\/\/www.airgraver.com\/graver-blanks.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

The above are the absolute minimum bits of equipment you’ll need to get started. \u00a0Other equipment\u00a0can be improvised. \u00a0You’ll need something heavy to fasten a practice plate to. It will need a flat bottom so it will be steady, but not so heavy it can’t be moved and turned on your work surface. \u00a0A heavy piece of wood or metal will be fine to start with. \u00a0Snag your better half’s hot glue gun to glue a piece of copper or mild steel onto the heavy thing, and you’re good to go. \u00a0A little alcohol will free the practice plate from the hot glue when you’re done engraving it.<\/p>\n

If you’re like me and old and busted, you’ll definitely need some sort of magnification. \u00a0I use a Meiji EMZ-5 Stereo microscope and a Lindsay turntable, but at the very least you’ll need an Optivisor brand magnifier. \u00a0Try to get the version with glass lenses, and don’t bother with other brands.<\/p>\n

Now, since you’ve probably ignored me and purchased the equipment already, play with it for a day for two and get your ass scheduled for a Beginning Engraving class. \u00a0Listen and heed\u00a0this advice! \u00a0And have a great time engraving!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What Do I Need To Start Engraving? \u00a0I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked this question. \u00a0Enough, I’d guess, that it has spurred me to add this page about such things to my blog. #1 –\u00a0Commitment: \u00a0The number … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":291,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"spay_email":""},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P6qLAy-1eJ","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":291,"url":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/?page_id=291","url_meta":{"origin":4757,"position":0},"title":"Resources","date":"January 14, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"About Us Available for Purchase Talk to Us\/FAQ Our Art Jewelry Steel Bladed Knives Stone Bladed Knives Links Engraving Resources What do I need to start engraving? Tutorial: \u00a0Simple Engraving For Knifemakers Tutorial: Making Small Scrapers for Contemporary Engravers Bladesmithsforum.com Interview with Tom Netsuke Resources How to Carve Netsuke and\u2026","rel":"","context":"With 1 comment","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6006,"url":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/?page_id=6006","url_meta":{"origin":4757,"position":1},"title":"Engraving a Classic Adams Trout Fly eBook","date":"September 21, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Engraving a Classic Adams Trout Fly\u00a0eBookDownload for Amazon Kindle Here, $2.99 USDDownload for Apple Books Here, $2.99 USD Engraving a Classic Adams Trout Fly is intended for experienced intermediate or advanced skill engravers. These instructions lead you step by step through creating your own hand engraved and gold inlaid Adams-style\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Engraving_a_Classic_Adams_Trout_Fly_Cover-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4376,"url":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/?page_id=4376","url_meta":{"origin":4757,"position":2},"title":"Simple Engraving for Knifemakers","date":"May 20, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Originally produced for the Bladesmith's Forum, August 2012: \u00a0http:\/\/www.bladesmithsforum.com\/index.php?showtopic=24166 I\u2019ve been asked to create a tutorial on simple hammer and chisel engraving, and I\u2019ve chosen to do one oriented towards knifemakers.\u00a0 But, let\u2019s get a few things straight up front, so no one has any illusions.\u00a0 This tutorial WILL NOT\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Viking_Head_1.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3491,"url":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/?page_id=3491","url_meta":{"origin":4757,"position":3},"title":"Talk to Us\/FAQ","date":"October 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Here\u2019s my email address if you would like to contact me (or Mary Alice):\u00a0tomtalk@comcast.net Commissions: \u00a0I turn down many commission requests. I\u2019m deeply appreciative of all the requests for my engraving I\u2019ve been receiving since showing my work on Instagram and Facebook. In the past I\u2019ve seldom taken commissions, and\u2026","rel":"","context":"With 8 comments","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/William_Henry_B12_Viperfish_102.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2,"url":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/?page_id=2","url_meta":{"origin":4757,"position":4},"title":"Links","date":"January 14, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Web Links you might find interesting! My current sales page at \u00a0Arizona Custom Knives: http:\/\/www.arizonacustomknives.com\/tom-sterling-sterling-sculptures.aspx My past sales page at BladeGallery.com: \u00a0Tom at BladeGallery.com Follow Tom on Instagram: \u00a0http:\/\/instagram.com\/tom_sterling_hand_engraving Follow Tom on Facebook: \u00a0http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TomSterlingHandEngraving Bladesmith's Forum, where I sometimes hang out: \u00a0Bladesmith's Forum Following the Ironbrush.org: \u00a0Following the Ironbrush.org Awesome\u2026","rel":"","context":"With 4 comments","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5034,"url":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/?page_id=5034","url_meta":{"origin":4757,"position":5},"title":"CRKT Squid “Widowmaker”","date":"April 1, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"SOLD\u00a0-\u00a0CRKT Squid \"Widowmaker\" - 1\u00a0available\u00a0$295 USD -\u00a0Ships next business day Hand engraved by Tom Sterling in Japanese-style shishiaibori (sunken relief), with 24 karat gold inlaid eye. Sunken relief results in an engraving that will withstand years of hard use, for a great-looking but fully useable EDC. \u00a0CRKT Burnley Squid Knife,\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4757"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4757"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4757\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5247,"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4757\/revisions\/5247"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/sterlingsculptures.com\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}