This is my first post on the Cafe.
I am an Art teacher and have been a hobby jeweler for 20 years. My degree is in metalsmithing. I am looking into getting a power engraver of some sort now as my hands are not what they used to be. I do 5-10 pieces a year and the numbers are thankfully going up. I have engraved before and own 3-4 engraving knives but use them mainly for wax carving and small cleanup and details on castings but I mainly use a Fordom rotery flex shaft. This past year went back to etching and have not been excited over the results in the details compared to what can be done by hand.
So I want to get a powered engraving setup. I am not going to buy a microscope right away as I want to make sure that it is going to be easier for me to do the work that I want and then I may purchase one.
My wife said "well if it will help your hands lets get you one" sooo....
I would like to get a vice and some kind of engraver.
What are the advantages of a large engraving block over a smaller one?
what is the best vice for the money?
Are the squeeze operated hand pieces easier to work than the foot controlled ones?
How many and what type of gravers are a good start?
Do you need any "extra" stuff to start engraving that no one talks about when you buy a set up?
Any help would be great,
Cameron Lewis
Oklahoma City
who has the best wife in the world
I am an Art teacher and have been a hobby jeweler for 20 years. My degree is in metalsmithing. I am looking into getting a power engraver of some sort now as my hands are not what they used to be. I do 5-10 pieces a year and the numbers are thankfully going up. I have engraved before and own 3-4 engraving knives but use them mainly for wax carving and small cleanup and details on castings but I mainly use a Fordom rotery flex shaft. This past year went back to etching and have not been excited over the results in the details compared to what can be done by hand.
So I want to get a powered engraving setup. I am not going to buy a microscope right away as I want to make sure that it is going to be easier for me to do the work that I want and then I may purchase one.
My wife said "well if it will help your hands lets get you one" sooo....
I would like to get a vice and some kind of engraver.
What are the advantages of a large engraving block over a smaller one?
what is the best vice for the money?
Are the squeeze operated hand pieces easier to work than the foot controlled ones?
How many and what type of gravers are a good start?
Do you need any "extra" stuff to start engraving that no one talks about when you buy a set up?
Any help would be great,
Cameron Lewis
Oklahoma City
who has the best wife in the world