Looking for an affordable way to get started

[Jack-Of-A-Trade]

I've been looking over the Net and while there are videos/write-ups about most things, I've not found anything that gives you an actual overview of what you need at least to get started with metal engraving using a hammer and chisel and where to get it. There is a write-up on there, but even that assumes you to have the ability to shape your own tools and it (as far as I can see) doesn't give you an easy way to shop for a starter kit.

From what I understand, I'd need a chasing hammer, a round chisel, a flat chisel, handles for both, a punch (possibly with another handle), a vise of some sort, sharpening stones or sandpaper and a sharpening fixture (since I don't want to mess up the tools by preparing them the wrong way).

I have neither the experience nor the tools required to make my own chisels or work prepared blanks into handles, so I'm willing to spend a bit more on adjustable handles (though the only ones I found seem to be for push carving). I'm also uncertain how to distinguish woodworking chisels from metalworking ones and whether or not there even is a difference. If there'd be anyone who could help me by compiling a "starter kit" I could get, that would greatly help. I'd like to keep the price low, but from what I've seen it's unreasonable to believe anything under $125 would suffice for equipment alone.

The things I already have in mind would be this vise and this hammer. The main focus would be learning to engrave on brass, copper and steel.

Thank you so much for reading this and I hope to soon join you folk with works of my own!

 

[gtsport]

I don't think that vise will be stable enough for hammer and chisel engraving, you will eed something beefier

 

[Jack-Of-A-Trade]

I see. Well, the vise I linked can be attached to a workbench/table via screws, but maybe this one is better?
Also, do you know where I could find adjustable hammer graver handles? All I'm finding is for push gravers.

 

[John B.]

Might I suggest you contact Ngraver Company an buy two steel graver handles and a couple of their pre- sharpened gravers.
Your vise will service (bad pun) to get you started if you clamp or or fasten the base to something solid. Your hammer looks good.
Best of luck and enjoy your engraving journey.

 

[Jack-Of-A-Trade]

I don't see any way to contact Ngraver from Europe. Calling would cost ungodly amounts just to check if they even do hammer graver handles. And even then, they don't seem to ship internationally. I hope I overlooked something, but if that isn't the case, this is sadly not accessible to me.

Good to know that at least the things I'm rather set on would work out!

 

[papart1]

if you go contenti form your graver handles....make sure you get BLADE type gravers......those particular ones will not hold round gravers blade meaning a flat tang style

 

[Jack-Of-A-Trade]

if you go contenti form your graver handles....make sure you get BLADE type gravers......those particular ones will not hold round gravers blade meaning a flat tang style

I was looking over Contenti's shop, but I couldn't find adjustable hammer graver handles. But if I missed them and you can show me how to find them, that would help immensely!

 

[JJ Roberts]

Jack where do you live? J.J.

 

[Jack-Of-A-Trade]

Jack where do you live? J.J.

Germany

 

[dogcatcher]

Look up bowling ball vise on the search function. Ball about $10 at a Goodwill store, a Harbor Freight drill press vise, $17. And the above comment about NGraver will fix you up.

 

[Jack-Of-A-Trade]

Look up bowling ball vise on the search function. Ball about $10 at a Goodwill store, a Harbor Freight drill press vise, $17. And the above comment about NGraver will fix you up.

That kind of vise would run me more than either option I have already found. And again, NGraver might be a good resource, but there is no way I can get their materials when even asking if they have what I need is impossible because I live in Europe.

 

[edgrabow15]

I've been looking over the Net and while there are videos/write-ups about most things, I've not found anything that gives you an actual overview of what you need at least to get started with metal engraving using a hammer and chisel and where to get it. There is a write-up on there, but even that assumes you to have the ability to shape your own tools and it (as far as I can see) doesn't give you an easy way to shop for a starter kit.

From what I understand, I'd need a chasing hammer, a round chisel, a flat chisel, handles for both, a punch (possibly with another handle), a vise of some sort, sharpening stones or sandpaper and a sharpening fixture (since I don't want to mess up the tools by preparing them the wrong way).

I have neither the experience nor the tools required to make my own chisels or work prepared blanks into handles, so I'm willing to spend a bit more on adjustable handles (though the only ones I found seem to be for push carving). I'm also uncertain how to distinguish woodworking chisels from metalworking ones and whether or not there even is a difference. If there'd be anyone who could help me by compiling a "starter kit" I could get, that would greatly help. I'd like to keep the price low, but from what I've seen it's unreasonable to believe anything under $125 would suffice for equipment alone.

The things I already have in mind would be this vise and this hammer. The main focus would be learning to engrave on brass, copper and steel.

Thank you so much for reading this and I hope to soon join you folk with works of my own!

Where do you live ?

 

[JJ Roberts]

Jack go to my facebook page I did a video on an affordable way to get started with my Walk A Bout pedestal set up engraving with H&C.the easy way. J.J.

 

[Jack-Of-A-Trade]

Where do you live ?

Germany

Jack go to my facebook page I did a video on an affordable way to get started with my Walk A Bout pedestal set up engraving with H&C.the easy way. J.J.

The video seems to only show up for friends, so I sent you a request on facebook

 

[JJ Roberts]

Jack go click on my picture and click on my facebook page. J.J.

 

[Jack-Of-A-Trade]

Jack go click on my picture and click on my facebook page. J.J.

I was still unable to find the video. I only found one where you work with H&C (video is from two months ago), but there is no explanation, much less what I need: A guide of where to get everything I need.
I did enjoy the work you do though! Really inspiring!

 

[Sinterklaas]

You don't need a expensive sharpening fixture. Start with a 90degree graver. This is just a square piece of metal. With the the front sharpened. And a round graver, made from a round rod. Easy no need to do fancy angles like with a 120degree graver.

If you are in Germany there are multiple companies that sell to goldsmith/jewelers. They have most of what you need. I dont know the names. But if you google for jewelry supply companies in Germany I am sure you will find them. Here is 1 such shop:
https://www.boley.de/

In the Netherlands we also have some shops. I can give you the names if you want.

You can make the round graver from a big nail. Cut of the head and insert in to a handle. Then shape the front on a grinding-wheel or with sharpening stones.

Vise I would buy from a hardware store. And screw it to a stable workbench or pedestal. So you can stand comfortably.

Basic list (I dont HC engrave, I use a pneumatic system so I hope i dont miss anything.)

-Vice
-Hammer (not to heavy it will hurt your wrist)
-Chisels (I would recommend 90 degree and round to start and maybe a flat)
-Handles for the chisels
-Optivisor to get an enlarged view when cutting
-Sharpening stones (dont need very fine stones when starting)

Check this out and see what he is using:

 

[jlutz]

Sam answered this very question some time ago in this post: https://engraverscafe.com/threads/hammer-chisel-startup-kit.18587/
I just finished watching the DVD he mentions in the post and found it very informative for someone like myself who knows very little about engraving.