Help with GRS Stippling tool

[showidaho]

I'm brand new to engraving - took Sam's class and loved it...subsequently bought all of the 'stuff' and started working. The problem is that my stippling tool isn't stippling. I know that it works since I used it at school, but I can't get it to do anything with my home setup. Any suggestions?

 

[mrthe]

Have you sharpened it in a correct way? What type of steel are you using to make the point?
If the point is broked or rounded, or not like a fine needle point ,will not work well.

 

[Marcus Hunt]

You've probably blunted or broken the point. Try sharpening it. No point will last forever.

 

[showidaho]

It's already sharpened...Should I remake the point? Perhaps too flat by now?

 

[showidaho]

Can you remind me...Do I make it a sharp point with the 260 wheel, or the 600?

 

[showidaho]

I resharpened the tool and still nada...Can anyone remind me what the Graver machine settings should be? Maybe that's the problem?

 

[Sam]

1.) be sure it's carbide.
2.) sharpen to a needle point. Not almost needle, but to a perfect point.
3.) set macchine to 5,200 SPM

 

[showidaho]

Sam,

It's the brass colored one..right? I know, that sounds dumb..but...

1.) be sure it's carbide.
2.) sharpen to a needle point. Not almost needle, but to a perfect point.
3.) set macchine to 5,200 SPM

 

[showidaho]

Thanks everyone...I was using the wrong tool...Yikes! Thanks for your help. Next question...what is the rounded, blunted, brass graver for?

 

[Marcus Hunt]

:biggrin:Inlay work........so you don't mark the steel!!!