Some weekend engraving work

[smart dog]

Hi Friends,
Below is a photo of a musketeer that I engraved on a buttplate this weekend.  It is part of the decoration on a early 17th century fowling gun.  It came out OK.  I borrowed heavily from Jacques Callot.  I am sure he will not mind.

dave

[Paddlefoot]

Looks nice to me.  Chasing hammer or a power tool?  If power what type do you favor?

[Dave B]

Nicely done Dave, Keep us updated on your progress

[California Kid]

I like it sort of caricature like. Makes you wonder if he's going to draw that sword or not.
Dave didn't you use to live in CA?

[A.Merrill]

        Fine job. Do you give lessons     AL

[dogcreek]

You're very talented, Dave. Nice work!

[smart dog]

Thanks folks,
Paddlefoot, I use a hammer and chisel to outline the work and engrave the major features.  I then use a Lindsay Airgraver (the best tool out there in my opinion) to do the detail work.  I use the chisel to give the image an old vintage look consistent with work from that time period. I don't want 21st century engraving on a 17th century piece.  Al, I am just a hard working amateur but if you ever come to Ketchikan, AK, I'll see what I can do.  Kid, you may be thinking of our incredibly talented colleague, Davevec.

dave

[California Kid]

No not dave2c. We talked about finishing eng. walnut couple years ago and I got the idea you were in ca. senile I guess! sorry.

[Jim Kibler]

I like it Dave!  Seems as though it will be fitting for your project.

Jim

[Cody Tetachuk]

 Shouldn't a "musketeer" be armed with a musket??

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

...and a wheellock pistol!

[smylee grouch]

Nice job Dave, that guy looks like he wants my Snickers bar. You know you did a good job when you impart an expresion on the figures face.  Gary

[Acer Saccharum]

That's really sweet! Love to see work with character, and you got it!
Can't wait to see the rest. Keep up the good work.

Tom

[gregg]

Huh. Looks way better than ok to me. I like it.

[wetzel]

That is some beautiful work.  What size and type of chisel graver do you prefer for outlining?

[smart dog]

Geez Cody and Taylor!!!.  Alright, he isn't a musketeer.  He's a cavalier.  Yeah that's it.  A cavalier wearing pants that could hide his horse.  In fact, that's where his musket and pistol are.  They are concealed you see.  That's my story and I'm sticking with it.  You're right Gary.  He wants YOUR Snickers bar and your big screen TV, which he could hide in his pants as well.  It's late and I better get to bed.  Oh I forgot.  Wetzel, I used 2 square gravers made from 3/32" blanks, one ground large and the other small (~1/16"). Both had 45 degree faces,  90 degree cross sectional angles with very tiny heels. The larger graver is mounted in a chisel handle and used for outlining to achieve an old look.  The other is mounted in a Lindsay Airgraver and used for the details.  I cannot see well enough anymore to do the fine work with a chisel.  I have to huddle over the work using an optivisor and pushing the airgraver like a hand graver is the ticket for me.  Thanks again everyone.

dave