I have an intrest in learning to engrave but am really starting at the bottom with no knoledge at all.
My question, can someone please point me in the right direction as to a book or video and basic equipment needed to get started doing metal engraving. Or is there a kit available anywhere that has everything needed for a beginer to get started if not what all do I need to buy. I am intrested in engraving the metal on guns and knifes.
Thank You,
Bill

Bill nicks
11/14/2007 12:39:41 PM

Hi Bill and welcome aboard.

There are two books I would recommend.

James Meek "The Art of Engraving" which is what gets most beginners going. It's a must have book and almost considered to be the bible of engraving. Available from GRS http://www.grstools.com/b-general.html

Neil Hartleip's "The Basics of Firearms Engraving" . An excellent book to have with a lot of really good information. I would highly recommend it. Available from Brownells http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1701&title=THE+BASICS+OF+FIREARMS+ENGRAVING

These two books would be a really good starting point for you and not break your bank account.

Another option which is a really good one, depending on your time and finances, is to take an engraving class or private tuition for a week. These are available all over the place. GRS, Ray Cover, Mike Dubber, Sam Alfano, JJ Roberts, Barry Lee Hands, Johnny Wyerts and others that I've probabley forgotten to write down. All of them very good at teaching.

The beauty of a week long instruction is you get the basics drummed into you. Things like work holding, graver sharpening, basic design, cutting etc.

Best wishes on your new adventure

Cheers
Andrew



Andrew Biggs
11/14/2007 2:41:28 PM

Andrew,
Thank's for all the advice I will be ordering the books shortly. I cannot attend any classes right now because of a recient injury but have alot of free time on my hands. I would like to jump into this asap, if nothing else just to help with the bordom of being stuck indoors but also to take the chance that I might be able to learn this skill.
When I order the books I would like to get some basic tools to play around with , any sugestions on some basic tools for a beginer that I would be able to use when my books arive.
Thank you,
Bill
Wylie Texas

Bill nicks
11/14/2007 3:29:15 PM

Hi Bill,

I would think if your going to be layed up for a while, you should also get Ron Smiths books on scroll design. Then practice drawing scrolls for hours. Only need pencil and paper, and this practice will pay off when you are able to get the tools.
Jim

James Wark
11/14/2007 4:00:53 PM

Hi, Bill.
For beginners as a starter kit I can recommend to buy 1 onglette graver #5 or #6, 1 sharpening stone (I prefer India fine), 1 optivisor, 1 piece of wood with a size around 2'X4'X4' and a few sheets of brass or bronze with thickness 1-2mm. 1 scriber or pin holder and a needle. Drill 4 holes in the corners of the brass sheet and screw it on the piece of wood. Scratch a some squares end feel are a parallel lines with 1mm step. Begin to engrave are. Short distance between lines will sow to you any yours mistake. This exercise is really boring, but after a some dozen of a squares you will receive a fill of a graver.
P.S. Excuse for my broken English.

Dmitriy Pavlov
11/14/2007 6:13:01 PM

Hi Bill

There are two ways to go with engraving.

1. Where you provide the power to the cutting tool. Eg: hammer and chisel or hand push graver. This is the most economical way of starting. Maybe $300 to $500 and you are up and running.
2. Where the tool provides the power Eg: Power graver of some sort like GRS, Steve Lindsay or Ngraver. This way will cost you quite a bit of money. Maybe around the $700 to $1500 up to $2500 region

So if money is of a concern then the first method would suit you best. It will also give you a feel for weather you like doing it or not. As you go further up the ladder with experience then you could stick with option 1 or gradually move into option 2. One thing I can promise you is that if you stick with it then you will start spending more and more money on various bits and pieces.

There is no “better way” as it all boils down to what you can afford and how much time you have and what you like doing.


If you go to Brownells www.brownells.com and type in engraving in their search engine. You will notice they have a starter kit that comes complete with the book on basic firearms engraving. I think the cost is $249. On top of that it would also pay to get a couple of the Onglettes that Dimitry suggested. On top of that again you will need a vice and a sharpening stone. I would also highly recommend the Lynton McKenzie video (the first one) In that, he shows you how to sharpen by hand. That’s probably about $350 all up.

All of that will get you started in terms of tools.

The book by Ron Smith on advanced scroll design is also a “must have book” and as James said only a pencil and paper are needed……..both essential tools for good engraving.

These are just my thoughts and others may have a different way of looking at things. Listen to what everyone has to say very carefully and then make your decision.

You may also like to check out the Engravers café engraving forum where there is all sorts of good advise and things to look at. Just follow this link http://www.igraver.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=1


Cheers
Andrew


Andrew Biggs
11/14/2007 7:31:03 PM

I found a used grs standard ball vise for $265. is this a good price? Bill

Bill nicks
11/16/2007 12:31:29 PM

Hi Bill

Yip, that's a good price as they are $388 new and $450 with all the attachments.


Cheers
Andrew


Andrew Biggs
11/16/2007 4:38:40 PM