Scratchmo
Elite Cafe Member
I keep reading about Mike Cerrelli's transfer method in several threads, and although I've never tried it, to me it seemed to be a very time consuming and complicated way of transferring patterns. Does anyone use the copy machine method described in Meek's video? All you need is access to an old style copy machine (ink jets and laser prints don't work) The original can be drawn or printed on clear acetate so it can be printed positive or negative - or both if you need a book-matched set. The Xeroxed copy is laid on the metal and just dabbed with a cloth dampened with acetone. It works great, and doesn't rub off easily.
The only tricky part is the amount of acetone on the cloth. If it's too wet, the pattern will run, and not enough will not transfer the ink. Just make several copies, so you can do it many times if necessary to get proper placement and complete transfer. The cool thing about the copy machine is the reducing feature. I draw my coin patterns about 4 times the size of the actual engraving and reduce it by 50% two times. Most copy machines will tend to distort the print slightly. If you have to reduce the original design more than once, it's best to orient each successive print 90 degrees from the first one, otherwise, your circle will end up being a slight oval.
This really works great for portraits since you can easily and quickly print a photographic image right on to the metal.
The only tricky part is the amount of acetone on the cloth. If it's too wet, the pattern will run, and not enough will not transfer the ink. Just make several copies, so you can do it many times if necessary to get proper placement and complete transfer. The cool thing about the copy machine is the reducing feature. I draw my coin patterns about 4 times the size of the actual engraving and reduce it by 50% two times. Most copy machines will tend to distort the print slightly. If you have to reduce the original design more than once, it's best to orient each successive print 90 degrees from the first one, otherwise, your circle will end up being a slight oval.
This really works great for portraits since you can easily and quickly print a photographic image right on to the metal.