Engraving tips for beginners

[gibster]

Hey guys,
I have never really tried to do any engraving on anything, and wanted to know what resources/tools/materials I would need to get started.  I viewed the pictures of the rifle that Cody is building in FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, and all I can say is WOW.  That really looks good.  I also have a Jim Klein built Peter Berry that has great engraving on it.  I don't have the expectation of being able to produce that kind of work and I know that it takes lots of practice, but what do I need to get started.  Thanks.
Eric

[flintriflesmith]

I believe that the engraving video by Jack Brooks and sold by R.E. Davis is the most helpful tool for a novice. Attending a hands on engraving class like the one sponsored by the NMLRA at Western Kentucky University is also highly recommended.

Gary

[Tom Cooper]

Eric,
Two of the most important tools in the engravers world is pencil and paper as well as an accurate sharpening jig, if you can draw it and have correctally sharpened gravers you can cut it.

I tried watching the videos of Wallace Gussler and Jack Brooks. I'll be honest the music put me to sleep, I tried a couple times to watch each one with the same results. I also rented the video put out by Sam Alfano on sharpening gravers, actually stayed awake and learned something with that one.

You can rent instructional dvds and videos from http://smartflix.com/, cheaper than buying.

Hope this helps some.

[J.D.]

Eric,

You can rent instructional dvds and videos from http://smartflix.com/, cheaper than buying.

Smartflix does have a good library of instructional DVDs, however,some of the better ones require a waiting list.  I have been waiting for over a month for Lynton MacKenzie's basic engraving.  I'm currently # 9 on the waiting list, and even with 6 copies in circulation, I don't expect to see it anytime in the next month. Some of the renters must keep those DVDs for several weeks. At the rental rate, it would almost be more economical to buy 'em.

I understand Meek's book is pretty good too, thought I'm told that it doesn't show how to actually do the engraving as do the better DVDs.

[gibster]

Thanks for the information.  I will check out Smartflix about renting the DVD's.  Where is a good source for engraving tools and what should I look for before buying?  Thanks for the help.
Eric

[Acer Saccharum]

Two other titles to consider, recommended to me by Jerry WH. I have not seen them yet, but Jerry thinks they are the very best.

Don Glasser(CD - best)
Frank Hendrix(CD)
http://smartflix.com/

Tom Cooper has hit the nail on the head. Drawing, drawing, drawing. Over and over, draw your ideas out. your curves will smooth out, your ideas will gel, your compositions will improve, your hand-eye coordination will improve........and you can do this anywhere for no money. Engraving IS drawing, with a chisel instead of pencil, steel instead of paper.

[Acer Saccharum]

Another thing Tom Cooper was right-on about: Sharpening. This is the key to successful metal cutting. If you don't learn how to sharpen correctly, engraving will be a struggle all day long. This is where some instruction will save you from pulling your hair out, or getting totally discouraged.

Classes and sharpening equipment:
http://www.grstools.com/toolsharpen.html#powerhone

Classes:
http://www.grstrainingcenter.com/schedule/index.html

Engraving forum:
http://www.igraver.com/forum/
There are many tutorials available on this forum,
and Sam Alfano's website: http://www.masterengraver.com/