Engraving a Lock Plate

[Greg S Day]

Gentlemen,

Can any one tell me how difficult it might be to do some primitve engraving on a siler lock plate. 

I've been practicing on a brass sheet and realize the steel is going to be harder, but just how hard are the plates.

This is a Jim Chambers built Siler lock.

Thanks,

Greg

[Acer Saccharum]

Siler lock plates will be soft, unless someone casehardened it. Chambers, L&R, Davis don't harden their plates. A builder might.

Anyway, Steel cuts much better than brass. Far more consistent in texture, the engravers handle so much better in steel than brass.  Maybe make your tools with five degrees less on the face, which makes the tip sturdier.

[T*O*F]

Steel engraves easier than brass.  You just need to have the right tip profile.

[g rummell]

I agree, steel engraves much easier than brass.
You've been practicing on brass all this time, just
take a piece of steel and see what you think.

[Greg S Day]

Thanks Men,

That sounds like good news.

I'm not much off an engraver but I'm ready to try scratchin' one out.

I may pick up a couple pieces of scrap angle at work to practice on some steel.

Greg

[T*O*F]

Just make sure you polish whatever scrap you're engraving to at least 400 grit first.
Also you may need a steeper face on your graver, somewhere between 45 and 60 degrees.

[Acer Saccharum]

Angle? That has a oxide slag skin that will eat up your graver. Try cold rolled, or pickled and rolled sheet. If angle is all you have, mill/grind/file that crusty layer off first.