870 Project

Here is my current project an 870 20ga mag.
The steel is a pleasure to cut and there is plenty of room for the imagination to run wild.
Here is a link with the photos. Thanks for looking ZZ

http://[URL=https://imageshack.com/i/5sr9k4j][IMG=http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/150x100q90/208/r9k4.jpg][/IMG][/URL]

You are doing some nice work! :clapping:

I noticed in your pictures that the handles of your gravers are of the same type commonly used by gun engravers in Germany. Were you trained or influenced by a German engraver?

Very nice

Carlos De La O III

Roger, I have been mainly self taught, but have gotten some advice from engravers over the years, some gone now. I never had one Particular engraver Influence me. I guess I just went in my own direction. The first two books I ever got on the subject was Meeks book and Nimschke's book of his smoked pulled patterns. So maybe there styles have been my building blocks.

The chisel handles that I use Today originally came from Ray V. from Hand Engravers Supply. I tried other styles over the years, but have always come back to them. I have been unable to find anyone who makes them like that today. So I ended up getting a lathe and turning my own.

Getting back to the influence subject. The one book that really help me see many styles of engravers was your first book of American Engravers. I pretty much wore that book out. It was a great inspiration to me to try an improve my work.

I feel so fortunate today as I can have conversations with all the master engravers on this cafe that for so many years I admired their work. So I thank you for taking the time to notice my work and ask the question.

Thanks, ZZ

Jon,I like the pintails on the 870what's on the other side? J.J.

Roger, ZZ is absolutely spot on about your first book. My first 3 books were yours 1980 autographed (found it second hand)Meeks and a stack of old Gun Digests. Went over the pics with magnifier for many hours studying and trying to figure things out. Big influence on how I have spent thousands of hours and dollars. Thanks for your contribution to the modern rebirth of a once slowly fading art form. Fred

JJ, I am still debating on what to put on the other side thinking maybe pheasants. I will post photos when I get it completed.

Thanks, ZZ