I have a suggestion about practice plates. At the FEGA convention I have seen new engravers showing off very elaborate practice plates. They serve a great purpose when someone is just learning how to engrave. However, when as a person becomes more confident in their abilities, I would suggest practicing on something that can be sold. Most of my early non-commisioned work was done on grip caps and butt plates. It gave good examples of finished work, but more importantly provided potential income. If you are lucky enough to know a good custom gunsmith you may wish to contact them about what is in the market place. I know that our gun shop gets most of our bottom metal through Blackburn. When I am between commisions, I will purchase a bottom metal blank (with trigger guard)- engrave animals, scroll etc while leaving the edges empty (just in case it requires trimming to fit a customers rifle). Most of the time these get sold before I can even feature them on our website.
Paula Biesen-Malicki
4/28/2006 3:50:34 PM

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