RedfordTrails
Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2011
- Messages
- 57
Sorry to beat a dead horse. I know this topic has been covered, and I read a handful of articles before I began my attempts. I am 1 for 50 on results I am happy with, so I came back here to start a thread that may answer my questions and help other new engravers.
Surface Prep?
So far a 2K grit wet sand paper has given me the best results. I've tried soap and water clean, acetone clean, and a wax covered surface. None had any consistency. The sanded seemed the best. Obviously a poor choice though because it dictates your finish.
Printer?
It seems well known a LASER jet printer is needed. I bought a HP Laser Jet P1102w. As of now my assumption is this is my problem, and I will probably purchase a printer with known transfer capabilities. However, some of my results showed the print could transfer, so I'm not certain this is my problem.
Paper?
I've used regular printer paper and tracing paper. Tracing paper seems to repel the acetone and was useless. The regular paper had no consistency but gave me a few decent transfers.
Solevent?
I'm using Acetone I used it with success at two different schools, this is probably not my problem.
Press and Dry Duration?
I experimented with different saturations from just a quick rub to a full 3 minuet saturation. I experimented with different burnishing, pressing, and rubbing. I also experimented with different dry times. What works here?
I believe that covers the elements involved in the process. I've seen this done with little or no frustration and I've done it myself 5 years ago when I first entered the jewelry business and had no problems. I've been working hard to set up an engraving studio and was awestruck when I was not getting good transfers as I had set my studio up assuming these would come out fine. Any answers to help we the novice engravers would be greatly appreciated.
Surface Prep?
So far a 2K grit wet sand paper has given me the best results. I've tried soap and water clean, acetone clean, and a wax covered surface. None had any consistency. The sanded seemed the best. Obviously a poor choice though because it dictates your finish.
Printer?
It seems well known a LASER jet printer is needed. I bought a HP Laser Jet P1102w. As of now my assumption is this is my problem, and I will probably purchase a printer with known transfer capabilities. However, some of my results showed the print could transfer, so I'm not certain this is my problem.
Paper?
I've used regular printer paper and tracing paper. Tracing paper seems to repel the acetone and was useless. The regular paper had no consistency but gave me a few decent transfers.
Solevent?
I'm using Acetone I used it with success at two different schools, this is probably not my problem.
Press and Dry Duration?
I experimented with different saturations from just a quick rub to a full 3 minuet saturation. I experimented with different burnishing, pressing, and rubbing. I also experimented with different dry times. What works here?
I believe that covers the elements involved in the process. I've seen this done with little or no frustration and I've done it myself 5 years ago when I first entered the jewelry business and had no problems. I've been working hard to set up an engraving studio and was awestruck when I was not getting good transfers as I had set my studio up assuming these would come out fine. Any answers to help we the novice engravers would be greatly appreciated.
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