Foxjewel
Member
I have been "lurking" for a few years now... and this is my 1st post
This is long…but I need some advice.
I don't know where to begin.
I'm not sure if I should take a "hands on" class or will Sam Alvano’s DVDs be sufficient for now (I ordered an entire set earlier today). - I am a metalsmith, bench jeweler; but I stopped to raise my children a few years back. I am setting up a new studio in my home now. Although I have several push engravers. I “attempted†engraving, however, never really engraved. I did have lots of slips and stabs into my hand when I tried, which made me realize that push engraving too difficult for me so I am assuming that I need some type of power assist. I have read that sharpening is the key to make it easy...but honestly, I'm not convinced that even that would make it easy enough for me. Ha, ha. Plus I have a little arthritis in one joint of one hand... -So, I am wanting to get some type of power graver. I don't really know what power assist I should get which makes me think I should take a class, but not sure if there will be a variety of options that students would be able to try out and see what they like best while in a class. I don't need to tell you that an engraving setup is expensive...and I don't want to make a mistake when purchasing. - When I get Sam’s DVDs I won't even have a way to practice what I learn from them, so it may be a waste initially....but I just HAD to get them. For the past couple of years, I have watched SO MANY online videos and that I have been watching repeat videos now… and the same ones over and over... and it's boring and frustrating me because all I am doing is watching and not doing.
I am considering taking a course; but airline ticket, lodging as well as a course will deplete my funds. –I will do that if I need to; however, then I would not have any funds for engraving equipment.
I live in Florida; the Tampa Bay area and have limited funds, so I want to explore all viable options. I'm scared ... "What if I'm really awful at engraving or I hate it." I don't think I'll hate it because for decades I have loved just the visual beauty of engraving; particularly relief engraving, but I'm still scared. I used to have a calligraphy business so I think I’ll be able to do it…I’m just still really uncertain… and then where to begin.
I wish someone would teach a course or two in Florida or somewhere in the southeast which would save on a plane ticket. -- I missed the opportunity back in 2014 when Ray Cover came to Orlando and taught. I didn’t even see posts about it back then until it was over. :’(
Also, in classes, are there a variety of power assist tools that students get to use and try out or are the classes typically just stocked with the newest and top of the line equipment. I have saved enough that I can either take a course or buy equipment...so I want to make the right decision.
Thanks so much! - I know that I write long emails (and texts for that matter), so I appreciate you taking the time to read this, and hopefully will provide some information and/or some advice.
Also, can I just use my optivisors while I am practicing and get a scope later? – When I get a scope… how much power will it need? Up to 30x or 45x or higher?
Signed… Long winded and intimidated Sheri
This is long…but I need some advice.
I don't know where to begin.
I'm not sure if I should take a "hands on" class or will Sam Alvano’s DVDs be sufficient for now (I ordered an entire set earlier today). - I am a metalsmith, bench jeweler; but I stopped to raise my children a few years back. I am setting up a new studio in my home now. Although I have several push engravers. I “attempted†engraving, however, never really engraved. I did have lots of slips and stabs into my hand when I tried, which made me realize that push engraving too difficult for me so I am assuming that I need some type of power assist. I have read that sharpening is the key to make it easy...but honestly, I'm not convinced that even that would make it easy enough for me. Ha, ha. Plus I have a little arthritis in one joint of one hand... -So, I am wanting to get some type of power graver. I don't really know what power assist I should get which makes me think I should take a class, but not sure if there will be a variety of options that students would be able to try out and see what they like best while in a class. I don't need to tell you that an engraving setup is expensive...and I don't want to make a mistake when purchasing. - When I get Sam’s DVDs I won't even have a way to practice what I learn from them, so it may be a waste initially....but I just HAD to get them. For the past couple of years, I have watched SO MANY online videos and that I have been watching repeat videos now… and the same ones over and over... and it's boring and frustrating me because all I am doing is watching and not doing.
I am considering taking a course; but airline ticket, lodging as well as a course will deplete my funds. –I will do that if I need to; however, then I would not have any funds for engraving equipment.
I live in Florida; the Tampa Bay area and have limited funds, so I want to explore all viable options. I'm scared ... "What if I'm really awful at engraving or I hate it." I don't think I'll hate it because for decades I have loved just the visual beauty of engraving; particularly relief engraving, but I'm still scared. I used to have a calligraphy business so I think I’ll be able to do it…I’m just still really uncertain… and then where to begin.
I wish someone would teach a course or two in Florida or somewhere in the southeast which would save on a plane ticket. -- I missed the opportunity back in 2014 when Ray Cover came to Orlando and taught. I didn’t even see posts about it back then until it was over. :’(
Also, in classes, are there a variety of power assist tools that students get to use and try out or are the classes typically just stocked with the newest and top of the line equipment. I have saved enough that I can either take a course or buy equipment...so I want to make the right decision.
Thanks so much! - I know that I write long emails (and texts for that matter), so I appreciate you taking the time to read this, and hopefully will provide some information and/or some advice.
Also, can I just use my optivisors while I am practicing and get a scope later? – When I get a scope… how much power will it need? Up to 30x or 45x or higher?
Signed… Long winded and intimidated Sheri