Question: Engraving in Aluminum

kayscheible · Apr 24, 2017

Hello everyone,

I am new to engraving. I just purchased an engraver max g8, and all required equipment. I was looking for a cheap metal to learn to engrave in. My family builds aluminum boats so there is always scrap aluminum plate laying around. Is aluminum a good metal to learn to engrave in?

Thanks!

Brian Marshall · Apr 24, 2017

6061 aluminum is the best aluminum alloy we have engraved on.

Use Tap Magic for aluminum as a lube and strop often to prevent galling and buildup on the graver tip.

Brian

John B. · Apr 24, 2017

Depends what you intend engrave as a regular metal or material.
If it's guns or knives I would go for cold rolled steel.
If its jewelry I would go for copper.
Both are cheap and easy to obtain.

dave gibson · Apr 24, 2017

The big box hardware stores have a section with pieces of sheet metals that are small enough to easily handle. They generally have mild steel and brass in different gauges and sizes. They'll have rods & tubes. Much cheaper than engraving suppliers. You'll probably have to cut it down to a size for engraving, tin snips work fine on the thinner stuff, 18 ga cuts fine and is good for practice engraving.

kayscheible · Apr 24, 2017

Thank You!

Question: Engraving in Aluminum

kayscheible

Member

Brian Marshall

~ Elite 1000 Member ~

John B.

Lifetime Pledge Member

dave gibson

Elite Cafe Member

kayscheible

Member

Latest posts

Sponsors