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General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Jim Filipski on August 05, 2008, 04:12:54 PM

Title: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: Jim Filipski on August 05, 2008, 04:12:54 PM

I know on the old ALR.com site we had a good thread on transferring patterns to metal for engraving. JerryH mentioned a transfer transparency material to run off in a laser printer. Since we can't access the old archives at this time would folks mind sharing a few tips again on this new forum.
Thanks
Jim

Title: Re: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: Tom Cooper on August 05, 2008, 04:19:57 PM

If you can print your design with a laser printer it can be transfered with the aid of acetone, takes some practice to get the amount right on a cotton ball without washing the design away but it works, just be sure to reverse the patern before applying it as it will be mirrored.

I have also use a black sharpie to totally cover the object to be engraved and then lay the design over the piece and re-trace it out, works well for the main lines.

Jerry was using a transfer method where a inkjet printer was used with a transfer solution, the good part was the amazing detail of the transfer.

Hope This Helps Some.

Title: Re: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: JTR on August 05, 2008, 07:34:59 PM

Jim, this link should take you to a solution, or at least one way to do it.
There are several other posts on transfer methods there as well, just search using 'transfer methods'.

http://www.igraver.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2505

John

Title: Re: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: David Rase on August 06, 2008, 01:23:56 AM

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) also works.  Some ink transfers better with acetone and some with MEK.  You just got to experiment to find out what works for you.
DMR

Title: Re: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: Jim Chambers on August 06, 2008, 05:13:03 AM

The method listed in JTR's link works great.  I think the Epson ink jet printers that use #64 black ink work the best.  One additional tip, some printers won't recognize the clear film sheets.  If you printer doesn't just tape a sheet of white paper to the back of the clear film.

Title: Re: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: J.D. on August 06, 2008, 09:16:11 PM

That is excellent information, but for someone who is barely computer literate, how does one size a design to precisely fit a specific part?

Thanks,
J.D.

Title: Re: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: longcruise on August 07, 2008, 07:01:48 PM

If you have a publishing program such as MS publisher you can use the "draw" function to size it.  If you don't have the MS publisher, you can go to the OpenOffice web site and download the entire office suite including draw feature for free.

Title: Re: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: JTR on August 07, 2008, 07:10:59 PM

If you have a Kinko's of some other copy shop near by, print out a best quality copy of what you want re-sized. Give them the dimensions you require and they can reduce it on their copy machine. Then ask them to put the re-sized copy on a memory stick. Load that back into your computer, and print it on the transfer sheet.

If you have XP operating system on your computer, I think you can do the same in 'Print' options.

John

Title: Re: Transfer materials for engraving patterns
Post by: J.D. on August 08, 2008, 12:16:04 AM

Thanks for the replies.

I have a new computer running Vista, and have student version of MS office installed.
Gotta learn how to use all of the programs, so's I can do those things.

Thanks,
J.D.