I picked up a World Precision Instruments microscope and stand a few years ago from a government auction for under $35. Since I only engrave as a hobby, and only for one or two hours at a time, it has been good enough for me.
If I were more committed to engraving, I’d probably need to upgrade...
l posted my “work around” for sharpening square gravers in an Apex type system a while back. That thread can be found at: https://engraverscafe.com/threads/ramblings-of-a-rookie-making-a-square-hole-collet.27681/
Being a novice, I usually prefer to see the experts’ answers rather than offering my opinion.
However, the sharpening system you choose needs to align with the engraving tools you have. If you go with a quick change collet system, then the GRS Apex would match up well. If you will be using...
According to this post, the stamped letters in front of the trigger are an inspector’s marks: https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/Model+94+Lower+Tang+Question/
A similar pattern of engraving on an 1851 Colt was sold at auction by Rock Island. In their description it says, “The letters “I.E.” are stamped above the serial number on the barrel lug and below the number on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. This marking was used by the factory on...
I’ve noted several instances of Colt shipping revolvers to Winchester in a soft state. They also shipped soft revolvers to wholesalers and others.
Here is another example: https://www.coltforum.com/threads/very-unusual-colt-m1877-da-“lightning”-engraved-by-winchester-1880.357715/
Someone with more knowledge might jump in and correct me, but I initially focus at the highest magnification, then drop to the lowest magnification and adjust the right eyepiece. I might go back and forth a few times to get the right eyepiece as clear as possible, and then I don’t intentionally...
I’ll start by saying that I am a hobby engraving novice so I know virtually nothing!
My very limited understanding of carbide tools comes from experience with using carbide tooling in lathe and milling machine work. For interrupted cuts, carbide has a greater tendency to chip when compared to...
This chart may give some insight into carbide tool grade applications. My guess is that suitability for interrupted cuts would be important to avoid chipping.