What methods do the members here use to put their layout onto steel for cutting?

Thanks
Cody

Cody Tetachuk
9/14/2006 3:01:56 PM

Cody,

I'm new to engraving so I have not tried anything other than the laser printer/acetone method. Very simple and works fairly well. I already had the laser printer so it made sense to use that method and acetone is inexpensive. The use of the ink jet printer and the transfer solution (Transfer Magic) was my other option but I would have to purchase a new printer and why spend the money. The printers for the injet method are not too expensive but why not use what you already have on hand.

I will hand draw the design and then scan it into the computer. Sometimes I might do some of the design on the computer or redraw some of the lines with the computer. Then print on the laser printer. I have also used this method to transfer some logos that were already computer files. I had to maniulate them to get them into black and white or greyscale, then print. Be sure not to use a logo that you do not have permission to use. I put my son's Boy Scout troop logo on a knife for a boy that made Eagle Scout.

Kevin

Kevin Monahan
9/14/2006 4:15:25 PM

Cody,

I fogot to say that sometimes nothing seems to be better than just drawing the desing directly on the piece to be engraved. Some simple modelling clay dabbed on the piece leaves a thin gray coat on the pice and then you can draw on it with a pencil. I use a .5mm mechanical pencil.

Thanks to Rex for showing me both of these methods.

Kevin

Kevin Monahan
9/14/2006 4:17:45 PM

I coat the metal with a mixture of Damar varnish that has been whitened with a universal pigment from a paint store. I put in just enough to make it opaque. This works really well if you are working on blued steel or anodized aluminum. I make a transparency transfer from an inkjet computer and use Epson transparency film. I set the printer on greyscale. Great detail and durability.

Otto Carter
9/15/2006 12:39:05 AM

Kevin, I've been useing the acetone transfer for several years and started useing plasticene (sp) recently. Takes a good pencil line but is fragile.
Otto, that sounds alot like the "transfer magic". I have some and am just waiting for the transparencies to arrive to give it a try. Do you not have issues with the varnish chipping off as you cut through it?

Cody

Cody Tetachuk
9/15/2006 7:21:31 PM

Cody
I've been using the transfer magic with my HP970 printer and Hammermill transparancies with some good success. For drawing i will either draw with a sharp pencil using clay and talc for a dusting. Sometimes I'll even draw a few lines using a very fine felt tip drafting pen.
Marty

Martin Rabeno
9/15/2006 9:59:42 PM

No, it doesn't chip at all.

Otto Carter
9/16/2006 12:49:34 AM

Transfer...I used to use Chinese White, until I ran into a real problem.
I did a layout scribed everything in..was late at night..thought I'd wash the Chinese White off the next morning..which I finally did, and to my surprise I found "RUST". Needless to say I had to hand polish the whole side of the gun, and start over again. I no longer use Chinese White. I make what some folks call mutton tallow or transfer wax..all it is...is 50% bees wax, and 50% bacon fat..heat it up in a tuna fish tin..its nice and tacky and I just tap it on the piece, and then use talc powder tap that on with a softwater color brush..now I have a nice white canvas to draw on.

Yours truly,
JJ Roberts-Manassas, VA

J.J Roberts
9/16/2006 8:27:02 AM

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I've never used talc over the clay or transfer wax. I suspect the ratio is not critical but just in case, is the mix 50/50 by weight or volume? (I assume volume). I have lots of bees wax and oodles of bear grease so I'll make some up and give it a go. I also have a bottle of damar varnish. I'll find some white pigment and give that a try. I have some epson transparencies on order but find them pricey. Martin, what is the part # for the hammermill transparencies you use? Thanks again. It's great to learn new ways as well as finding that others are haveing success useing methods I currently use.

cody

Cody Tetachuk
9/16/2006 9:59:51 AM

No part number Cody.just a 10 pac of Hammermill Transparencies that I get at Walmart.
Once you dab the clay on the metal just take a soft watercolor brush, dip it in some talc and brush it over the clay. Blow off the excess and yu have a decent mat white surface to draw through.
Marty

Martin Rabeno
9/16/2006 11:44:05 AM