please help!i can cut clean with push graver.but the chisel is leaving slight burrs on edges of cuts.whats happening?

mike ladan
9/23/2008 2:29:52 PM

Hi Mike,
There can be a million reasons for this:-

What material are you cutting?
Is the graver lift and bottom correctly shaped?
Is the face or bottom of the graver too rough?
Is the graver vertical to the cut or laid over too much?
Are you making enough and even taps with the hammer or hitting it too hard?
Are you trying to drive the graver too fast with heavy hits?
Are you holding the chisel too tight or allowing your hand to bounce?
Is the material you are cutting being firmly held in a vise?
Is the material you are cutting flexing?

These are just some of the little things to check on and I'm sure you will cure the problem.
Nice steady chisel hand and many taps get the job done.
I know you realize that the problem is caused by minor operator error and that's why you are asking the question.
Just like any other technique there is a little learning curve and that's what you are going through.
Much beautiful work is produced with a H&C and I salute for using this method.

Hope this gives you some checking points, best of luck.
John.

John Barraclough
9/24/2008 11:08:20 AM

thanks john,thanks for the encouragement,and the tips!it seems that everyone is using power these days.i daily struggle with the idea of getting an palm control.but,just like a flush toilet,you can get hooked on it,then it's hard to go back.i am a blacksmith/bladesmith.i only did hand work,no power,for years.then i started using power saders.well long story shrt,i haven't made a knife in a couple years,got caught up in the production game,lost desire.i no longer felt they were truly hand made.i am afraid the same may happen with this.?thanks,mike

mike ladan
9/25/2008 12:34:25 PM

thanks john,between you and phil coogan,ray cover and ray letourneau,i am now cutting with chisle just like a push graver.lowered the face&heels,used lighter hammer,go slower,obtain more PATIENCE.thanks so much,john.mike ladan.

mike ladan
9/27/2008 7:20:54 PM

Hi Mike,
Sorry for being so long in checking on you and your little problem.
I just got back into town and my computer has been playing me up all day.
Very glad to hear that you managed to clear up your bur problem.
Best of luck and continue to enjoy your H&C engraving.
John

John Barraclough
10/1/2008 11:21:02 PM

thanks john,my computer has been down.i am grateful for the help.mike ladan

mike ladan
10/13/2008 4:47:03 PM