Easy to see graver points.

[John B.]

Most know this but another tip that helps with the visibility of graver points.
When cutting shiny metal, gold, silver, steel in the white or stainless steel.
Dip the graver in cold blue, neutralize with water and baking soda.
The contrast makes it easier to see the exact placement of the point.
This works on HS, Cobalt or any of the Carbide mixes used for gravers.
Best.

 

[Mike Bissell]

It amazes me the vast amount of knowledge you have on engraving.
Thanks for the tip

Yer friend Mike

 

[fegarex]

OK John.....
Just WHEN is there going to be a book????
I've done this but I would imagine others may not have.
Thanks again,
Rex

 

[Glenn]

Rex,
I've been after John for 3 years now to write a book, but to no avail. Perhaps you can be more convincing.

 

[jlseymour]

"You don't have a clue"...
How much a book of your knowledge would have an affect on the engraving world...
So much to be lost would be the results...
Thanks JohnB for all you have done and for all you do...
Jerry

 

[Kevin P.]

John B, It seems you are writing a book one tip at a time and many of us are grateful.
So for a dummy what's 'cold blue'?

I've been cutting a facet at the top of my graver and polishing it. I place an additional light (other than my ring light) to reflect off that facet which helps me orient my graver. I haven't got that 'zen' thing down that Andrew mentioned.
Kevin

 

[Tira]

John B, I still know a couple of people who would be glad to help you edit and put together a book..... anytime....

 

[Tim Wells]

Kevin,
Cold blue solution is something that you can get at any gun store or sporting goods department of wally world and the like. Birchwood Casey makes it in a bottle or even in pen form like a sharpie.

You blue guns with it but it isn't as durable as hot bluing a gun the way a gunsmith would. It's cheap too...

 

[Dulltool]

I would recommend the Birchwood Casey SUPER cold blue.

 

[CJ Tate]

I have tried blacking the graver face with Sharpie - I am sure this will work much better. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

 

[Sam]

Thanks, John! Another good one for the Tips Archive

 

[Arnaud Van Tilburgh]

Thank you John, I have cold blue, so I will give it a try.

arnaud

 

[John B.]

Thanks for looking in and your kind thoughts on my rambling.
Best to all.

 

[jlseymour]

John you have so much to share, thanks for being there...
Keep rambling...
Hope to see you soon...
Jerry