what is the difference betweeen having one or the other?

mark hall
2/23/2007 11:13:32 AM

rather short heels are needed to cut the curves in scrollwork. as the graver goes thru the curve, if the heel is too long the rearward portion scrapes along the edge of the cutline. this creates a very rough and unsightly look. a longer heel can be ok for lines that are more straight.try both on a practice plate. do a tight scroll or curvr, you'll see and feel a distinct difference.

j.d. swartzfeger
2/23/2007 11:48:44 AM

J. D. Explained it pretty well. You'll find as a beginner that a longer heel is more forgiving when cutting straight lines. Think of the heel like a keel on a sailboat. The larger keel makes it more stable, but not as easy to turn. Same goes for the graver heel. For the majority of my gravers I have less than a 10 thousands heel but I do have a couple with longer for those long straight borders.

Rex Pedersen
2/23/2007 1:33:26 PM