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

Paula,
Good point! Grip caps make great "easy sales". I also suggest some "factory" type floorplates for the beginners as well.
Inexpensive folding knives make good projects too.

Rex Pedersen
4/29/2006 9:22:44 AM

Here's something that helped me move from flat plates and gain confidence to take a real commission. I had some relatively cheap blackpowder guns from Dixie Gun Works. I transitioned from flat to round and curved surfaces on these without the panic of messing up someone's fine Colt or S&W. When finished, they made great gifts for my brothers and nephews. I never thot to sell them on consignment at the local gunshop. I gained enough confidence to move on to a stainless S&W Mod 36 for my first real commission job.
.... and thanks for this great forum format!

Stu Millar
5/7/2006 7:32:47 PM