What is this product being used to blacken an engraving on a ring?

Bob A

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Jan 25, 2014
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Hi - Ran across this youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9oaSR2yWyQ) and at 1:31 it shows a black stick being used to blacken a machine engraving on a ring. My assumption is since it's being used on a ring it's pretty durable, and it sure is dark. Any ideas or thoughts? If I'm breaking a rule by posting a link I apologize in advance. Bob
 

Brian Marshall

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It's called a lacquer stick... or used to be, anyway. Hermes/Gravograph and some other machine engraving companies used to sell the stuff because of it's convenience.

Apparently they still do? Usually to operators who had/have little experience...

It is NOT durable. It is quick. That is about all I can say for it.

It is black in the video, but every color of the rainbow so to speak - was once available. We used black, blue and red mostly.


Brian
 

Bob A

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Jan 25, 2014
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Brian - Thanks for the wisdom - it did seem just too easy! Like in life, no shortcuts to quality work, yes? Thanks, Bob
 

monk

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used the stuff years ago. it's simply a wax- based crayon. works ok for cheap, low priced work.. for hand engraving, this stuff is junk, with a capital "j"
 

Ron Spokovich

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These lacquer sticks were never intended for much other than filling in degree markings and numbers that may have had some wear in surveying instruments. I got some for a friend of mine who's in the business, in, I think, black and white and red. They skin over, to self seal, and might have to be a little warm to use properly. They are useless for engraving, and you're better off with a small paint brush and some Rustoleum flat black, or the various inks and oil colors which'll have to be retouched eventually if you're going to fill in anything at all.
 

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