inlay question

[Bob Bullard]

I am going to inlay a border on a S&W side plate and was trying to cut
a practice plate 1st and I'm having trouble around the screw holes in it
seems like I can't cut a clean channel for the wire. I have tried different
face and heel angles and none of them seem to come out very good.
they look like I'm leaning or flaring my cut to the outside of the circle.
my straight and the long curves look very good it is just on the small
or tight half circles I'm having trouble.
Bob

 

[Mike Bissell]

you might try an onglette instead of a flat. It will help from tearing or chattering on the outside edge.

Mike

 

[Ron Smith]

Hi Bob,

You might have too long a facet on the belly of the tool. Not even 1/2 mm is probably enough.

I use a high lift (20 degrees) and short facet on my channel cutters. I clip off the corners (same height as lift) of the cutter which allow it to make turns better. Real tight turns, I make with 120 degree graver and lift the edges with a punch in the tight turns.

Hope this helps.

Ron S

 

[Bob Bullard]

Thanks, I'll try that I am using a onglette to cut my channel but on the tight
turns it acts like I'm flaring my cut or leaning my graver.
Bob

 

[Ron Smith]

My cutters are actually flats in various sizes to accomodate the size of the wire. they don't vary in width during the cut if you go deeper or shallower like a square or onglette, as long as the sides of the tool are parallel and not tapered. Does this make any sense?

Ron S

 

[Bob Bullard]

Yes I think I understand what you are saying. I have some flats
and I also looked them up in the gesswin cat and the GRS. Are the
the gravers #s the same or do they vary from maker to maker
I also want to say thank you for taking the time to answer my
questions.
Bob