question about engraving?

[BILL OKLAHOMA CITY]

Some where along the trail while reading all 152 pages on this forum,
 I got it i my head that most of you folks engrave your "brass" or what ever after it is inlaid. Is this correct? If so why? Rookie needs to know.
thank you
Bill

[smart dog]

Hi Bill,
No you are wrong.  It all depends.  Small inlays like barrel key escutcheons that are pinned in place need to have the pin head filed down and finished.  That could damage engraving so I usually (not always) engrave those after they are installed.  However, patchboxes, sideplates, thumb pieces, trigger guards, etc are engraved before installation.  If I can engrave an inlay without risking damaging it during installation, I will always engrave it before putting it in place. That said, I have no fear of engraving an inlay in place if I have to.  It just is more awkward in the gun because I cannot put it in my engraving block.

dave   

[BILL OKLAHOMA CITY]

thank you
Bill

[Pete G.]

It depends. A patchbox, toeplate or sideplate must be installed and fit to the stock before engraving is begun and then removed for engraving. I have a short section of 2x4 and I use bondo to stick the part to the surface. Clamp thewhole thing in the swivel vice and it can be turned however you need to. Inlays have to beengraved in place, so think through your pattern carefully with them. If you are in an awkward position trying to reach a prt of your pattern it will generally show up in the finished work. If you look carefully at photos of old rifles you will start to see evidence of this.