Lock Plate Border Engraving

[LynnC]

I have been looking at photos of original flint lock plates with single and double parallel lines engraved along the edges. The engraved lines seem to run perfectly parallel with the the plate edge and if two lines they too are perfectly parallel.

The question is, do you think the border lines were cut with a single or double point graver that somehow followed the edge of the plate?  And if so what did this tool look like?

I’d appreciate anything you can tell me.

[J. Talbert]

Those were cut with a standard graver and skilled hand.  Often times the double lines consisted of a thick and thin line  side by side. Engraving classes typically start with engraving of straight lines even though getting them right is one of the toughest parts of engraving, maintaining consistent width and keeping them straight.   

Jeff

[kutter]

Double line gravers were very common when you could still buy a wide range of different gravers.
I still have one or two of those double line gravers around here.

Undoubtedly they got used for such things.
Others used a single point tool and cut separate lines. It's easy to see under magnification when you look at the hammer facet marks in the lines.

[smoke and flames]

Many of the double lines were done with a two line Graver.  It’s not hard to make one though. I modified a 90 degree sq graver by Annealing the tip. Then flatten the sharp point bottom so you can cut a V groove in the middle of the flat until you have two points. Re-harden the tip and you are good to go

[LynnC]

I wouldnt even claim to be a primitive engraver. I finally learned to sharpen and heel a graver like Jerry WH showed many years ago but i wouldnt trust myself to do a proper border yet. 

I guess I just need more Practice practice practice.

Thanks for all the insight on borders.

[smoke and flames]

When you engrave a straight line, do like a carpenter does. Cut alongside the line not on it. The line will be easier to keep straight

[smart dog]

Hi Lynn,
You have it right - practice, practice, practice.  When doing border lines pretend the job is just 1/4" long.  Just get that 1/4" perfect.  Then increase that to 1/2" but always focus on the next short segment and get it perfect.  Practicing border and parallel lines is the best practice for learning to engrave and developing tool control.  I completely understand why folks want to get to scrolls and leafy things, and you can hide a lot of bad engraving in scrolls and leafy things.  However, border lines and parallel lines reveal all.  The only things harder are block letters and engraving animals and people or anything that actually has to look like the real thing, and for which you need to be able to draw.  In the examples below, look at how many motifs beyond borders require even and parallel lines. 
 







Cutting clean borders and lines evenly spaced is a basic skill that must be mastered.  That tool control and discipline is important for all engraving but essential for tackling things like this.
 


dave

[smoke and flames]

Nice borders snd nice work Smart Dog

[Daryl]

Lovely work, indeed.

[LynnC]

More like spectacular work Smart Dog. 

I have only managed small embellishments. Nothing fancy. No scrolls as yet except in practice plates. And learning to sign my name in block letters. Now you tell me block letters are hard  . I agree.

I’ve been able to draw all my life. Sadly engraving doesn't come as easily to me.

Thank you for the instruction and advise.

[kutter]

Here's a 2 line graver.
Actualy these are 'Liners' . This one just cuts 2 lines with the width of the tool specified, a #48 (Flat) in this instance.
This is an EC Muller mfg graver. Probably bought it from Mittermeier's in NYC . They used to sell hundreds of different shapes in gravers.
Muller is still in business in NYC. Don't know about Mittermeier

Most if not all the gravers were targeted for the jewelry trade so they were/are not SpaceAge steel. But they'll work just fine on the brass and low carbon and LedLoy steel most M/Ldrs are made of.
They did have some in HS Steel. but no carbide and the like back then.

[LynnC]

Very interesting double liner. I wondered if such was made. In my case I still have to learn perfectly straight line engraving otherwise I will make parallel crooked lines. Thanks for showing me the liner.