Graver advice please

[Long Ears]

I have been stamping my initials and the date on the bottom flat of my barrels. I would like to learn how to engrave my name or initials on the top flat as requested by my friends and family. I need some advice on what  shape and brand of graver would be a good one to purchase. I have a pile of brass from the scrap yard to work on. I will also need an idea of what size chasing hammer and sharpening jig or fixture works well. I attended a class at Dixon's last summer and should have purchased the graver there but I was running low on funds fast! I also have watched Jack Brooks engraving DVD a dozen times so it is time to give it a try. Thanks in advance, Bob

[Dphariss]

I have been stamping my initials and the date on the bottom flat of my barrels. I would like to learn how to engrave my name or initials on the top flat as requested by my friends and family. I need some advice on what  shape and brand of graver would be a good one to purchase. I have a pile of brass from the scrap yard to work on. I will also need an idea of what size chasing hammer and sharpening jig or fixture works well. I attended a class at Dixon's last summer and should have purchased the graver there but I was running low on funds fast! I also have watched Jack Brooks engraving DVD a dozen times so it is time to give it a try. Thanks in advance, Bob

Go to
http://smartflix.com/store/video/457/Engraving

Beginning engraving.
McKenzie cuts through the BS on what is needed in the line of engravers.

A square graver is what you need and a light chasing hammer. McKenzie also details simplified but effective sharpening.
Sharpening is critical.

Dan

[Paddlefoot]

Lindsey engraving has a nice jig setup for your gravers at a reasonable price too.

[J. Talbert]

The Lindsey system shortens the learning curve for sharpening, so you can get on with engraving and be confident that the screw-ups are your fault and not the tool's.

Jeff