new to the forum, introduction and show you my homemade engraver's ball

[Digital Alchemist]

Greetings,
My name is Tony, I started engraving last year. I am a goldsmith and cad designer and always respected the art of engraving. I did not have a lot of extra money to buy an engraver's ball, so I decided to make my own. I wanted to make sure I liked it enough before committing more money. I was at the recent MJSA show in NYC and showed a picture of it to Sam Alfano and he asked if I would post it here. I look forward to checking out the forum, getting to know everyone and hopefully becoming a better engraver along the way.

Here is a link to my blog with more details
http://digitalalchemist.blogspot.com/2012/03/ikea-hack-engravers-ball.html

Thanks, Tony

 

[g.rohrbaugh]

Welcome to the forum Tony! Great job on building your vise! I read your post with all the details for making this. How much does it weight and how far does it open?
Gary

 

[Sandra Brady]

Hey Tony, Brian Powley has just introduced a new smaller lighter weight alternative to the standard engravers ball. It's not exactly "homemade" but it works great for bulino and scrimshaw. Here is the link, you might find it interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP08kxhzAB4&feature=youtu.be

 

[Digital Alchemist]

Thanks Gary,
It weighs about 15 pounds and when cranked all the way open measures about 6cm. from pin to pin.

 

[Digital Alchemist]

Thanks for sharing Sandra, that looks like an interesting alternative.