Cantle Conchos

[spadebit]

This is a nail down style Concho that will be placed on the back of the cantle on a saddle. This Concho, made in sterling and 3" diameter has a dome hieght of 3/8 inch, its rather like engraving a golf ball. Tow of these in a row would make being water-boarded seem kind'a nice for a change. The entire item is done in single point again, and entirely under the scope. All background is removed and then stippled and inked. Guess I should talk about that, I have tried in ernest to do my best with finger print ink, black paint, india ink.........but really could never come up with the look I wanted and had a heck of a mess as well. So, I tried a permanenet Marker, set it under an incandescent light over night, then removed the surface with a Pink Pearl eraser. It seems to give me the best results thus far, with the least mess. With regard to my vee gravers, I really like the 105, I also used a 90 and a 75 degree quite a litle on this item. For re-cutting my pattern edges I use a hevily modified #39 flat with the belly ground away- I am guessing this feels good to me since I use flats far more than other tools on my bench.

 

[Willem Parel]

Both beautiful pieces!!! I like the style very much.

 

[axeman11]

Beautiful and I agree it's a nice style of engraving. Very bold.

 

[axeman11]

Oh. And where would I look to find a concho to give it a try?

 

[John P. Anderson]

That is really nice work. It reminds me of some of the leather carving I've seen on Miles City Saddles from the late 1800's. I appreciate your sharing.

You might try Birchwood Casey - Super Blue, Liquid Gun Blue (it's a cold blue) as a variation on black backgrounds. It leaves a nice antique patina as well. It's kind of a dark gray. The black your using looks good. I'm going to give it a try on the piece I'm working on.

John

 

[Chujybear]

Sharpie? Or some other type?
Looks great.
Nice style

 

[spadebit]

I use SHARPIE brand permanenet marker, wide tip POSTER style. It comes off readily with acetone, but seems impervious to most everything else. SOme one asked about where to find a cantle concho, not sure to be honest. I build all my own silver work for my saddles etc, so I have not thought much about where to buy one. Off the top, I guess I would start in Fredricksburg Texas, search out Clint Ormes ( A skilled engraver and smith) he also owns Silver-Rama which sells items ready to engrave. Thats my best guess.

 

[John P. Anderson]

Sharpie Permanent Marker can also be wiped of easily with Isopropyl Alcohol. I use the 90% stuff.

 

[bronc]

Beautiful work Jeremiah! You just keep raising the bar!!!!

Stewart

 

[spadebit]

Thanks to you all. Yes I know ISO will take the marker off, but I quit drinking that stuff years ago. I am headed for Witchita Falls, Texas. I will be demonstrating for the GRS Company, along with the able Marian Taylor. Be sure to stop by and say hello, we would be glad to meet you.