engraving question

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Hello everyone,

Quick question,  what is that putty that you get at an auto parts store that you use to hold a piece while you engrave it?

Cory Joe

[James Rogers]

Bondo?

[smoke and flames]

I also use hot melt glue to hold parts to a block of wood that I lock into my vice

[Cory Joe Stewart]

I also use hot melt glue to hold parts to a block of wood that I lock into my vice

Like Glue sticks or a hot glue gun?

[Jakob]

Don't know if you can get it at an autoparts store, but normally you use pitch to hold pieces for engraving.

[P.W.Berkuta]

All three items that are listed above will work. Bondo is a bit messy because you have to mix it and apply it in the area you want to stick the part on. Then you got to clean up the mess. Pitch works well also. Since I have a hot glue gun I use that.

[Gaeckle]

I use bondo, it's reliable

[Robby]

I have used Bondo on things like a patch box that has been contoured and fitted to the stock. It supports it evenly.
Robby

[David Rase]

GRS sells a product called thermo-loc
David

[wpalongrifle]

Bondo works best for me!
It hardened quick and doesn’t give spring back.
Little torch heat release parts quickly.
I find glue gun to soft and parts pop off due to vibration.

[smoke and flames]

Yes. Hot melt glue sticks.  Heat with a glue gun or a torch for larger pieces. It helps if the metal gets warm also.
GRS thermoloc is a great product but..it does not stick to your metal. I use it to help make jigs that then clamp in the vice. Jewelers use a similar product called jet set to help hold things.

[smoke and flames]

I have also made holding jigs using epoxy putty.

[ajcraig]

If the piece is flat or relatively flat you can use double-sided foam tape - this is what they use in the NMLRA engraving classes at Bowling Green.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

I have some pitch laying around here somewhere.  Did not think of that.

Thanks everyone!

Cory Joe

[Dphariss]

5 minute epoxy works too little slower than bondo and releases with 400-450 degree heat.

[Jerry]

GRS sells a product called thermo-loc
David

I’m with David, Thermo-Loc. I have also used shellac flakes. Jerry

[Hungry Horse]

 I took a jewelry making class back in the late 60’s, and even then we were taught to use a pitch bowl, and sandbag shaped like a doughnut, to hold our projects for hand engraving.

Hungry Horse

[davec2]

I use Super Glue and the "kicker" spray that sets it instantly for most odd parts like flint cocks, top jaws, and lock plates, etc.  Glue the part to be engraved to a small hardwood block that is then held in the vise.  Instantaneously ready to engrave.

[Daryl]

Dave - do you use heat or maybe Acetone to "break" it free.
Duracryl, no longer available here, made Acetone look like tap water in action.
We used it for diluting paints for dipping arrows.

[davec2]

Daryl,

I usually just warm the part with a bench torch to break the bond......a little hand held butane torch.  I also use it to anneal gold wire fir inlay work.

[Daryl]

Tks, Dave.