Practice plate for ring.

Jim Sackett · Oct 26, 2010

This is a 2" x 2" copper plate. Since I'll be cutting on sterling silver I fegured this would be close to hardness. I cut this with a 120 square. Had trouble with the hairlines so tryed to fix em with my 90. I think I'll use the 90 on the ring hairlines.

All comments and suggestions appreciated.

Jim Sackett

monk · Oct 26, 2010

the 120 gives me fits. way too little practice on my part. i'd tell you to practice more, but then you'd tell me to follow my own advice ! nah, i'll go with the 116 or the flats.

Bama · Oct 27, 2010

The 120 is a great point but it does take practice. You can get nice wide flare cuts with it and nice thin lines but it takes a lot of control to be able to do this. Jim I think the design flows well and if you cut it in practice a few more times with the 120 it will look fine.

Jim Sackett · Oct 27, 2010

um hum decisions, decisions. I need another cup of coffee. Thanks guys.

fegarex · Oct 27, 2010

Jim,
The 120 will work with practice. Or cut it all with a 90 and go over the areas you want bolder with the 120. Everyone has opinions on gravers and that is why they make them all. I am not a fan of the 120 except for flair cuts but others do everything with them.
Whatever works best for you!

Willem Parel · Oct 27, 2010

fegarex said:
I am not a fan of the 120 except for flair cuts but others do everything with them.

What angle do you prefer then Rex ??
I often read here that many engravers do most of their work with an 120.
But I am in for other suggestions.
When I did only handpushing (not a lot) I alway's used a 90, when I came in kontakt with powergravers I turned to 120.
But I am still a bit doubtful what's best.
I know, I just should try both and find out wich one would work best for me.
Willem

Jim Sackett · Oct 27, 2010

I'm setting up a 105-110 to see how that works. I think the 90 holds the metal best, I suppose I need more practice with the wider gravers.

KCSteve · Oct 27, 2010

Jim

One piece of advice from me - grab some copper pipe about the right size and practice on 'rings' cut from it. If you think the 120 is giving you fits working on a flat plate, just wait until you get to something round!

If you want a thin ring I find it best to use a saw to cut off the piece but once you get to 4 - 5mm wide I'm getting pretty good at using a tubing cutter, as long as I go slow and careful.

I'm accumulating all of my CWP (Copper Water Pipe) rings and when I have enough I'll make a windchime.

fegarex · Oct 27, 2010

Willem,
Again its personal preference. I have used 90s for years and got real used to them but there were times I wanted a bit more flair. The 120 worked for that but I just don't like doing long straight borders with one. Also a 120 is much stronger for gun engraving but again was a bit too much for things. I ended up settling on a 105. It gives me a stronger point but I can cut a straight border easy. It also gives me a bit more flair when I need it. Frankly if I practiced enough with the 120 I'm sure it would be fine as well but I just found the 105 was the ticket for my needs. I'm not so sure if I was doing a lot more jewelry work I would give the 120 a better trial. I just don't need it for the gun work as much.

Jim Sackett · Oct 27, 2010

Wind chimes? We've had 30 to 50 mile an hour winds for the last 2 days here. Our chimes probably blew away. I can't hear em.

I forgot to mention I am hand pushing this scroll work. On copper or sterling it cuts like a breeze. Little easier to control.

KCSteve · Oct 27, 2010

Hey, at least you're getting all the weather guys excited - not often they get a snow-filled hurricane in the middle of the country to talk about.

I figure wind chimes just because I can't really think of anything else to do with 'em.

Practice plate for ring.

Jim Sackett

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