Author Topic: Acers Engraving Class  (Read 16662 times)

Offline elkhorne

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 529
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #25 on: September 29, 2017, 04:36:18 AM »
Acer,
The Lindsay website shows a 96 and 116 v templates. Which is the one you prefer and use to teach your students? Thanks and would love to get to your class next year. Thanks.
elkhorne

Offline Acer Saccharum

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19311
    • Thomas  A Curran
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #26 on: September 29, 2017, 03:50:44 PM »
The 96 and 116 will work, but it's my opinion that the 90 gives the closest 'look' to your engraving that a hand sharpened graver gives on 18th an 19th Century work. The vee is deeper than the 116, and the cuts don't look so much like bright cut Western style concho engraving. There is nothing wrong with that style engraving, but it's just too 'bright' for a longrifle.


A '70' or a '80' degree cutter will work as well, but the points are slightly more fragile than a '90', since there is less metal supporting the cutting edge. These are better for shading cuts.

I hope you can see the image below, where the 90 is indicated.





« Last Edit: September 29, 2017, 03:51:08 PM by Acer Saccharum »
Tom Curran's web site : http://monstermachineshop.net
Ramrod scrapers are all sold out.

Offline elkhorne

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 529
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #27 on: September 30, 2017, 06:18:45 AM »
Acer,
Thank you very much for the clarification. I will just reference it to Mr. Lindsay when I order my template. I have heard so many good accolades for these efficient templates that it gives me hope I can one day engrave for myself. Thanks again.
elkhorne

Offline Acer Saccharum

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19311
    • Thomas  A Curran
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #28 on: September 30, 2017, 05:26:18 PM »
Elk, you MUST have stones 1/2" high. You can use your own stones, but make sure they are shimmed to exactly the same height, be they fine, medium, and coarse.
Tom Curran's web site : http://monstermachineshop.net
Ramrod scrapers are all sold out.

galudwig

  • Guest
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #29 on: October 01, 2017, 06:38:54 PM »
Hey elkhorne,

Here's a few pics of the practice plates I made during Tom's class. Sorry for the quality, but it is really difficult to photograph a flat piece of metal.

All these patterns were copied from various photo's of actual rifles from RCA volumes 1 & 2 and from the color photo book of Kindig's collection. What struck me the most after studying the patterns on many of the guns is that the lines did not always connect and/or intersect. To me, the engravings were more interesting when they didn't. It's the shape of the line and shading that tricks the mind into seeing a complete picture.

Other than a few pitiful attempts with improperly sharpened tools, I've never engraved before taking this class. Now that I can sharpen a graver, I can engrave. There are lots of things wrong on my practice plates. I have plenty of room for improvement and that will come with practice. I now have a solid base on which to build and if this is the kind of thing you are looking for, I highly recommend taking Tom's class.  You won't be disappointed.

http://www.southernohioartisanworkshops.com



jpg to img






Offline rich pierce

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 19559
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #30 on: October 03, 2017, 03:41:23 AM »
Gary, you were the pace-setter in the class, for sure.  Right now I'm working on my concentration on long lines (straight and curved) and controlling depth/width of lines.  Trying to practice at least every other day.
Andover, Vermont

galudwig

  • Guest
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #31 on: October 03, 2017, 05:13:54 AM »
Thanks Rich! Tom's class was really fun! My sharpening fixture, templates, and diamond stones arrived from Lindsay today. Looking forward to getting back to practicing.

Offline elkhorne

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 529
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #32 on: October 03, 2017, 07:21:39 AM »
Galudwig,
Thos practice plates look great! I am really impressed. As Acer has said and I have heard it from others, engraving is ONLY possible with sharp gravers. I have struggled with engraving for several years and even took a class at GRS but we did not spend much time on sharpening and spent more time trying to get the "microscope" adjusted. It drove me crazy and I had to go to my Optivisor to do anything. Looks like you guys were miles ahead and sounds like the Lindsay sharpening system vaulted you all right into actual engraving. Just hope I can take Acer'class next year. That is my goal! Thanks again for showing us your work and I wish you good luck in your future engraving.
elkhorne

Offline Jeff64

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 68
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #33 on: October 04, 2017, 12:08:14 AM »
Where can one buy brass and iron practice pieces like we used in the class?  I went to Lowe's and found "welded" steel.

Offline T*O*F

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5124
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #34 on: October 04, 2017, 03:45:52 AM »
Where can one buy brass and iron practice pieces like we used in the class?  I went to Lowe's and found "welded" steel.
Go to Tira Mitchell's website.  She has the best prices for practice plates of all materials.

https://www.engraver.com/practice-plates/
Dave Kanger

If religion is opium for the masses, the internet is a crack, pixel-huffing orgy that deafens the brain, numbs the senses and scrambles our peer list to include every anonymous loser, twisted deviant, and freak as well as people we normally wouldn't give the time of day.
-S.M. Tomlinson

Offline Jeff64

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 68
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #35 on: October 04, 2017, 04:11:05 AM »
That works! Thank you.

Offline rich pierce

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 19559
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #36 on: October 04, 2017, 05:08:51 AM »
I was looking for sheet brass and Rio Grande Supply seems a good source.  14 ga is 0.063 thick, I think. 

https://www.riogrande.com/product/Jewelers-Brass-6-x-12-Sheet-14-Ga-Dead-Soft/130114
Andover, Vermont

Offline Gaeckle

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1361
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #37 on: October 04, 2017, 07:47:24 AM »
Try Ebay

Offline BOB HILL

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2284
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #38 on: October 04, 2017, 02:20:40 PM »
Old brass kick plates sometimes found at scrap metal yards work great. Use them for patchbox material all the time.    Bob
South Carolina Lowcountry

Offline PPatch

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2456
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #39 on: October 05, 2017, 05:51:49 PM »
I've been practicing my engraving each morning when I first get in the shop. Improving but have a ways to to, and I know it.



dave
Dave Parks   /   Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Offline Acer Saccharum

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19311
    • Thomas  A Curran
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #40 on: October 05, 2017, 06:48:49 PM »
Dave! That is beautiful! I'm so happy you're working at it. Tom
Tom Curran's web site : http://monstermachineshop.net
Ramrod scrapers are all sold out.

Offline rich pierce

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 19559
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #41 on: October 06, 2017, 05:24:54 AM »
Tonight's practice was about simulating Fainot's sideplate engraving. Thankfully he wasn't Frederick Sell when it comes to engraving.

Fainot



Try #1 and #2



The last one was better.  Still working on depth/width control. And taking time to work on design before picking up the hammer. With limited time I'm tempted to just get tapping.

Andover, Vermont

Offline Acer Saccharum

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19311
    • Thomas  A Curran
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #42 on: October 06, 2017, 11:21:38 PM »
Rich, that's pretty darned close. Your curves are better than Fainot's. Don't make it too good. :)

Suggestion, on your round nosed tool, make your heel just a tad wider. I think that will make your depth much easier to cotrol, thus smoother cuts.
« Last Edit: October 06, 2017, 11:21:53 PM by Acer Saccharum »
Tom Curran's web site : http://monstermachineshop.net
Ramrod scrapers are all sold out.

Offline rich pierce

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 19559
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #43 on: October 07, 2017, 12:32:42 AM »
Thanks, I can see a washboard in the grooves of the round nosed graver. Will see if a longer heel helps.
Andover, Vermont

Offline Acer Saccharum

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19311
    • Thomas  A Curran
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #44 on: October 07, 2017, 12:46:57 AM »
A high polish on the heel will help, too. Just for giggles, try cutting several passes, see if you can get the depth you want with a smooth finish pass.
Tom Curran's web site : http://monstermachineshop.net
Ramrod scrapers are all sold out.

Offline moleeyes36

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1443
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #45 on: October 07, 2017, 05:51:57 PM »
Acer,

Some time ago you posted a drawing showing how to make aluminum graver handles for use in hammer engraving.  I haven't had any luck finding it with the search function.  Was the handle shown in the drawing made from 3/8" aluminum rod stock?  Thanks.

Mole Eyes
Don Richards
NMLRA Field Rep, Instructor, Field Range Officer
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer

Offline T*O*F

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5124
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #46 on: October 07, 2017, 06:33:12 PM »
I've posted this one several times in the past.  It's 3/8 aluminum rod.  I would use a set screw so it doesn't get in your way, but a distributor points screw is what I had handy at the time.



Dave Kanger

If religion is opium for the masses, the internet is a crack, pixel-huffing orgy that deafens the brain, numbs the senses and scrambles our peer list to include every anonymous loser, twisted deviant, and freak as well as people we normally wouldn't give the time of day.
-S.M. Tomlinson

Offline moleeyes36

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1443
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #47 on: October 07, 2017, 06:46:45 PM »
That's perfect, T.O.F.  Thanks.

Mole Eyes
Don Richards
NMLRA Field Rep, Instructor, Field Range Officer
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer

Offline PPatch

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2456
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #48 on: October 07, 2017, 07:04:23 PM »
I've posted this one several times in the past.  It's 3/8 aluminum rod.  I would use a set screw so it doesn't get in your way, but a distributor points screw is what I had handy at the time.




I too use that size aluminum rod as a handle for graver steels. I don't bother with the set screw, but make the hole in the business end slightly undersized. It is a press fit but not too difficult to get the point to go in the hole, if you have trouble just lightly grind the edges of the graver. I do have to clamp the point in a small vice to remove it for sharpening.



dave
Dave Parks   /   Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Offline Acer Saccharum

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19311
    • Thomas  A Curran
Re: Acers Engraving Class
« Reply #49 on: October 09, 2017, 04:32:23 PM »
Here is a drawing of a graver handle that I make. A square graver needs to have the corners slightly beveled to fit in the 1/8" hole, but it's real easy to do on a diamond stone.


Tom Curran's web site : http://monstermachineshop.net
Ramrod scrapers are all sold out.